5 Tips for Caring for Someone with the Flu

When caring for someone who has the flu, it is important to not only monitor and assist the sick child or adult, but to take proper precautions to protect yourself and others in your home from getting sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking the following steps when caring for people who have the flu:

1.  Avoid being face to face with the sick person. If possible, try to spend as little time as possible in close contact with the individual.

2.  When holding a sick child, place his/her chin on your shoulder so he/she will not cough in your face.

3.  Wash your hands often and the right way

4. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

5. Make sure to wash your hands after touching the sick person. Wash after handling their tissues or laundry.

If at any time you become ill with the flu, take the following steps:

• If you get very sick, are pregnant, or are 65 years or older, or are otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications  call your doctor. You might need antiviral drugs to treat the flu.
• Stay at home and rest.
• Avoid close contact with people in your household to avoid spreading the flu.
• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).

Always contact your health care provider for any symptom or sign that is severe or is concerning to you.

For more articles about this year's flu season, please visit our Flu Season blog.

Source: cdc.gov