Coping With an Acute Illness: Care Instructions

Overview

Finding out that you have a sudden (acute) illness can be very hard. Getting sick can be scary. It also can be very expensive and can disrupt your life.

The most important thing is to deal with the illness and get healthy again. If work, school, or other activities have to be put on hold while you get treatment, that's okay. Do what you have to do to get better, and then you can focus on the rest of your life.

Some acute illnesses can become chronic, which means that they last for a long time. Although this may not happen with you, it's best to be prepared for this and to know how to handle it. Talk to your doctor to find out as much as you can about the illness and how best to treat it.

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?

Treating the illness

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
  • Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines you take. These medicines can cause problems when taken with other medicines.
• Get plenty of rest. Talk with your doctor if you have trouble sleeping because of pain.
• Eat healthy foods. Talk with your doctor about what type of diet may be best.
• 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.
• Do not smoke or vape, and avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

Keeping your life in order

Here are some tips on how to keep your life on track while you get better.

• Make sure your employer knows about the illness. Get work commitments taken care of or postponed. This will give you the time and energy you need to treat the illness.
• Keep your employer informed about when you will be able to return.
• Ask family and friends to help with things around your home. Get help so you can reduce your stress and save your energy for treating the illness.
• Talk with your insurance provider to make sure treatments are covered.

Questions to ask

• Can the illness be cured? Can the illness become long-lasting (chronic)?
• How will my lifestyle change when the illness is gone?
• Does the illness run in families?
• What types of treatment are available? Which treatment has the best success rate?
• Are there any side effects?
• What are the best and worst possible results of the treatment?

When should you call for help?

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

• You do not get better as expected.