Flu and other Viruses
Viruses such as the flu or “stomach flu” are contagious viral infections. The vast majority of people who get flu or “stomach flu” will recover in a week or so with no complications.
The best way to fight flu and viruses is to know how to manage them and how to keep them from spreading. Spartanburg Regional wants you to know about flu and viruses.
How to prevent the flu and other viruses
Talk to your healthcare provider about a flu vaccination. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now.
Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Make your children clean their hands regularly — at home and at school. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you have no tissue.
Throw the tissue away immediately after use. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you are sick, stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (using no fever-reducing medications). If you must be around other people, wear a mask to protect others from becoming infected.
Know the symptoms
Flu differs from the common cold in that the onset of symptoms is not gradual but sudden. For instance, you may feel fine in the morning, but very sick by the afternoon. Flu symptoms may include:
• Chills
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Weakness/fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
Treating flu and viruses
There are a number of steps that can be taken to help reduce flu and viruses symptoms and control the spread of the virus. People with flu and viruses should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines can help with aches, fever, coughs and congestion, if they do not conflict with prescribed medications. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers. Clear liquids and a BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet may help those who are nauseous.
Antibiotics are not useful in treating flu or other viral infections. They may be used for the treatment of complications of flu, such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections. This can be discussed with your primary care physician.
If you think you have flu and viruses, and you are not at high risk for complications and you have mild symptoms, treat with over-the-counter medications. Staying in bed and drinking plenty of liquids will likely help you feel better in a few days.
If you think you have flu or “stomach flu” and you are not at high risk, but your symptoms are getting worse even with following the above measures, you may need to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your own doctor is the best resource you have to diagnose and treat flu. If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call 864-591-7999, and Spartanburg Regional Nurse On Call will refer you to one.
The following people are most susceptible to complications from flu and viruses: pregnant women, children, persons with respiratory complications, persons with weakened immune systems and elderly persons. They should seek treatment from their primary care physician at the onset of severe symptoms, such as respiratory distress, high fever or dehydration.
If you need to see a physician after hours or on weekends, go to a Minor Care Center. Minor Care facilities are designed to help with overflow from physician offices and to serve patients after hours and on weekends. They are staffed by highly qualified physicians and other healthcare professionals, and you don’t need an appointment. Please be aware that this time of year, there is often a significant wait. Unless a condition is urgent, patients are seen in the order they arrive.
For information about Spartanburg Regional’s Minor Care Centers, or the Pediatric Evening Clinic in Spartanburg, call Regional Nurse On Call at 864-591-7999.
If your symptoms are severe and overwhelming, go to the Emergency Room. If you require immediate attention, you can receive it at an Emergency Center. However, if your illness is not life threatening, you could experience a long wait, as emergency patients are seen on the basis of the severity of their condition. In addition to the Emergency Center at Spartanburg Regional, patients can visit the Emergency Department at the Village Hospital in Greer.
If you have health-related questions, you may call Regional Nurse On Call at 864-591-7999. Additional information may also be downloaded from the Centers for Disease Control website – www.flu.gov.