K.N.O.W. Home Health

Patient Education: Influenza (Flu)

What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness caused by viruses. It spreads easily from person to person, especially in cold months. The flu affects your nose, throat, and lungs.

Causes and Risk Factors

The flu is caused by the influenza virus.
It spreads when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets in the air.
You can catch it by touching things with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Risk is higher for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses like asthma or diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms (Early Warning Signs)

Fever or feeling very warm
Chills or sweating
Cough and sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches and muscle pain
Headache
Feeling tired or weak
Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Complications if Untreated
If not treated or if the flu is severe, it can cause pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, or worsen other health problems like asthma or heart disease. It can even lead to hospitalization or death in serious cases.

Treatment and Self-Care

Rest and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Use over-the-counter medicines for fever, pain, or cough (ask your doctor which ones are safe).
Take antiviral medicines if your doctor prescribes them; they can help you get better faster.
Avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the flu.

Common Medications

Antiviral medicines like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce flu symptoms.
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lower fever and ease aches.

Purpose and Side Effects of Medications

Antiviral medicines help your body fight the flu virus faster but work best when started early. Side effects can include nausea or upset stomach.
Pain relievers reduce fever and pain. Take them as directed to avoid side effects like stomach upset.

Dietary Needs and Lifestyle Changes

Eat light, healthy meals even if you don't feel hungry.
Drink water, juice, or broth to prevent dehydration.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can make your lungs worse.

Safety Considerations and Prevention

Get a flu shot every year to protect yourself and others.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Clean surfaces and objects regularly.
Stay home when you feel sick to avoid spreading the flu.

When to Call for Help
Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

Your fever lasts more than 3 days or gets very high.
You have trouble breathing or chest pain.
You are very weak or confused.
Your cough worsens or produces colored mucus.
You have other health problems and your flu symptoms get worse.

Go to the Emergency Room if:

You cannot breathe well or feel short of breath.
You pass out or become very confused.
You have severe chest pain or severe vomiting.

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Write True if the statement is correct. Write False if the statement is wrong. For every false statement, please correct it with the right information.

True or False: Influenza is caused by bacteria.
True or False: The flu spreads through coughs and sneezes.
True or False: Only older adults can get the flu.
True or False: Fever and body aches are common flu symptoms.
True or False: You can catch the flu by touching your mouth after touching a surface with the virus.
True or False: Antiviral medicines can help reduce flu symptoms if started early.
True or False: Rest and drinking fluids can help you recover from the flu.
True or False: You should avoid the flu vaccine if you have chronic illness.
True or False: Washing your hands often helps prevent the flu.
True or False: You should go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing with the flu.
True or False: Pain relievers can help reduce fever during the flu.
True or False: It is safe to smoke if you have the flu.
True or False: Vomiting and diarrhea never happen with the flu.
True or False: Staying home when sick helps prevent spreading the flu to others.
True or False: The flu can cause pneumonia as a complication.
True or False: Antiviral medicines have no side effects.
True or False: You should cover your mouth when you cough to stop the spread of germs.
True or False: Drinking alcohol helps you recover faster from the flu.
True or False: Cleaning surfaces can help stop the flu virus from spreading.
True or False: You should call your doctor if your cough gets worse or produces colored mucus.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Patient Questions

Have you received your flu vaccine this year?
What medications are you taking to treat your flu symptoms?
Do you know how to recognize if your flu symptoms are getting worse?
Have you been taught how to use any antiviral medications prescribed?
What steps do you take to prevent spreading the flu to others?
Do you know when to contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if your symptoms worsen?