How can I look after myself if I have the flu?

Self-Care

The best thing you can do is rest at home until you feel better. Stay home from work or school and away from other people while you are unwell.

Other things you can do:

  • keep hydrated to replace fluids you lose because of fever and sweating
  • drink mainly water and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they dry you out even more
  • sip fresh lemon juice mixed with honey and hot water or gargle salt water to soothe a sore throat or dry cough
  • eat only light food when you are hungry
  • use a damp cloth to cool your forehead and limbs
  • shower or bathe regularly and keep bedding clean and dry

Medicines

Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not help.

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve fever, body aches and headaches. Lozenges or gargles may ease symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and cough. Ask your pharmacist for product advice for young children. Most cold and flu medicines aren’t suitable for children under 6 years. Don’t give aspirin to children under 16 years.

When to seek urgent medical care / advice

If you have:

  • a high fever that doesnโ€™t come down, especially if you’re pregnant
  • chills (when you feel cold but are sweating) or severe shaking
  • difficulty breathing or chest pain
  • purple or bluish discolouration of lips, skin, fingers or toes
  • seizures or convulsions
  • bad headache or neck pain that is not responding to pain medication
  • signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, very dark urine or not passing wee/mimi regularly

If your baby or child:

  • is breathing fast or noisily or if they are wheezing or grunting
  • is very pale
  • is drowsy or difficult to wake
  • is severely irritable, not wanting to be held
  • is limp or unable to move
  • has dry nappies or no tears when they are crying, which means they are dehydrated
  • has a fever and is not responding to paracetamol

If you’re not sure what to do, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your nurse or doctor for advice.

We offer telehealth service where you can have a consultation over the phone or via video for adults or children 14 years and over. If attending the clinic, please wear a mask to keep others safe. Thank you for understanding.

Information taken from www.healthify.co.nz – for further information, please visit their website.