If You Catch The Flu.

What if you catch the flu and you are sick: 

• Stay home from work or school and get lots of rest.
• If you have a fever, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks.
• Keep away from people as much as you can to protect yourself and others 
• Drink plenty of liquids and skip using alcohol and tobacco.
• Fluids and pain relievers, like Tylenol, can help with the achiness and fever. If your children are sick, always check with your doctor before you give any medicines.  Adult cold and flu remedies are not made for children.
• If you cough or sneeze, cough into your arm or shoulder and make sure you cover your nose and mouth.
• Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing.
• If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away.
• If you have severe symptoms, such as breathing problems (rapid breathing for children), constant vomiting, pain in your chest or a fever that keeps rising, go the emergency room.

Most healthy people recover without further problems, but here are some warning signs that could require emergency medical treatment.

In children, these warning signs include:

• Problems or trouble breathing; fast breathing 
• Skin that seems a bluish color
• Not interacting with others or not waking  
• Not drinking enough liquids or fluids
• Seem very cranky and do not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms seem to get better, but then return with a fever and their cough is worse

In adults, emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

• Problems breathing or can’t catch their breath  
• Pain or they feel a pressure in the chest or stomach area 
• Dizziness that comes suddenly 
• Confusion
• Vomiting that is severe or does not stop

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm