Influenza in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

Influenza (flu) is an infection in the lungs and airways. It is caused by the influenza virus. There are different types of the flu virus from year to year. Unlike the common cold, the flu comes on suddenly and the symptoms can be more severe. These symptoms include a cough, a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, a fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, and body aches. These symptoms may last for a few weeks. Although the flu can make you feel very sick, it usually doesn't cause serious health problems.

Home treatment is usually all you need for flu symptoms. But your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicine to prevent other health problems, such as pneumonia, from developing. Teens who have a long-term health condition, such as asthma, are more at risk for having pneumonia or other health problems.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Get plenty of rest.
• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Try an over-the-counter pain medicine if needed, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to relieve fever, headache, and muscle aches. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Take any prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with a medicine.
• Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. These things can make the flu worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• If the skin around your nose and lips becomes sore, put some petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on the area. Using disposable tissues that contain lotion also may help.
• To ease coughing:
  • Suck on cough drops or plain, hard candy.
  • Try an over-the-counter cough and cold medicine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Prop up your head at night with an extra pillow. This may help you rest if coughing keeps you awake.

To avoid spreading the flu

• Wash your hands regularly, and keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. If you can, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or into a tissue, not your hands.
• Stay home from school, work, and other public places until you are feeling better and your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. The fever needs to have gone away on its own without the help of medicine.
• Ask people living with you to talk to their doctors about preventing the flu, especially if they have health conditions that increase their risk for problems from the flu. They may get antiviral medicine to keep from getting the flu from you.
• To prevent the flu in the future, stay up-to-date on the flu vaccine every year. Encourage people living with you to stay up-to-date too.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have a seizure.
• You have pain or pressure in your chest.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
• You feel very sleepy, dizzy, or confused.
• You are not urinating.
• You have severe muscle pain.
• You have severe weakness, or you are unsteady.
• You have a fever or cough that returns after getting better.
• You have medical conditions that are getting worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You are having a problem with your medicine.
• You do not get better as expected.