<p>Home Care
Guide for Flu
This information is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) for veterans, their families, friends, volunteers, and employees. It
describes symptoms of influenza (flu) and how to care for a sick person
at home. It can help you decide when to stay at home or when to seek
medical care.
Caring for a Person with Flu
■ Know the common symptoms of flu and when to seek care
(see page 2).
■ Have the sick person rest and lie down if running a fever.
■ Allow the sick person to judge what bed covers are needed; when
fever is high the person may feel very cold and want more blankets.
■ Use fever reducers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®) or ibuprofen
(e.g., Advil® or Motrin®); follow the package label or your healthcare
team’s direction to reduce fever, headache, and muscle, joint, or
eye pain.
■ Allow the sick person to drink as much as he or she can.
■ Give light foods as the person wants; fluids are more important than
food in the first days when the fever may be highest.
■ Do not smoke around a sick person.
■ Have the sick person gargle; use lozenges or hard candy for a
sore throat.
■ Clean your hands before and after caring for a sick person, and after
coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands with soap and water or use
hand sanitizers. Sick people should clean their hands too!
■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
■ Consider wearing a mask when giving care to a sick person.
If You Have Common Flu Symptoms
■ Stay home
■ Rest
■ Drink fluids
■ Take medicines for fever such as acetaminophen
(e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil® or Motrin®)
■ Call your healthcare team within 48 hours for advice
about what to do next
⊲ Antiviral medicines may reduce flu symptoms if
started within 48 hours of your first symptoms
Helpful Supplies
■ Thermometer
■ Fever reducers such as acetaminophen
(e.g., Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®
or Motrin®)
■ Cough drops or cough syrup
■ Drinks: water, fruit juices, soda