If you have flu

Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza is generally mild in most cases, and people will be able to care for themselves at home. Most will not need to see a doctor.

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned your symptoms are becoming worse, you should seek advice by phoning your healthcare provider, hospital or the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Hotline on 180 2007.

It is especially important to get medical advice at the first signs of severe illness in children, and in people who have with chronic medical conditions. Your doctor will be able to advise if you have a chronic condition that may put you at particular risk of the complications of influenza.

Things to do:


  • Stay at home. Avoid contact with others as much as possible and stay away from work or school while the infection is contagious. If possible, wear a mask when near other people.
  • Rest. You will probably feel very weak and tired until your temperature returns to normal. Resting will provide comfort and allow your body to use its energy to fight the infection.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Extra fluids are needed to replace what you lose in sweating due to fever. If your urine is dark, you need to drink more. Try to drink a glass of water or juice, or an equal amount of some other fluid (not alcohol), every hour while you are awake.
  • Take simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, in doses as recommended on the package, to ease your muscle pain and bring down fever (unless your doctor says otherwise). Children under 18 years of age should not take medications containing aspirin. The combination of influenza and aspirin in children has been known to cause Reye's syndrome, a serious condition affecting the nervous system and liver. Your pharmacist can provide advice on appropriate 'over-the-counter' medications for reducing fever.
  • Gargle with a glass of warm water to ease a sore throat. Sugarless lollies or lozenges may also help. Some medications, such as benzocaine, work by numbing the throat. They usually come in the form of a lozenge or throat spray. Others, containing substances like honey or herbs, work by coating the throat.
  • A cough can be helpful if it gets rid of mucus. If a dry cough keeps you awake, a cough suppressant (antitussive) may be helpful. If you need help loosening mucus from the chest or lungs, an expectorant may help. You should not take a suppressant and an expectorant together. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate medication.
  • Use saline nose drops or spray to help soothe or clear a blocked nose. Decongestants help shrink swollen blood vessels. There are two kinds of decongestants – pills and liquids. Liquids are nose drops or sprays that act in minutes, are more effective and have fewer side effects than pills. Liquids tend to work for only two to three days. If your nose is still stuffy after this you may have to switch to pills. Pills take about half an hour to work and may cause a dry mouth, sleep disturbances and other side effects. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant in pill form but you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it is suitable for you.
  • Do not smoke. Smoking is very irritating to airways that are already damaged by the virus.
  • Ask for help. If you live alone, are a single parent, or are responsible for the care of someone who is frail or disabled, you may need to call someone to help you until you are feeling better. (see Preparing Your Household fact sheet)
  • Older people are much more sensitive to medications in general and may experience more side effects, especially to the nervous system (e.g. confusion). If you have questions about medications, talk to your pharmacist.

Medication

  • Talk to a doctor. If you are sick during an outbreak it is advisable that in the first instance you contact your healthcare provider or hospital by phone rather than in person. This will help reduce the spread of infection.
  • Antiviral medications – These medications are most effective if taken within the first 24-48 hours of infection and can be prescribed by your doctor. It is therefore important to seek medical attention early. Seek medical attention immediately by phone if you get sick. Information about the availability of medications for influenza will be communicated widely by the Australian Government.
  • Antibiotics are not effective against influenza because it is a virus - and antibiotics fight bacteria. Your doctor may, however, prescribe them if you develop secondary bacterial infections (such as an ear infection) or complications (e.g. pneumonia).

More detail on www.healthemergency.gov.au: