How to manage influenza in adults

General self-care measures

• Drink extra fluids to prevent or treat for dehydration.
• Gargle with a warm salt water mixture. Mix: One teaspoon (5 ml) of salt, one teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda, and two cups (500 ml) of water.
• Use throat lozenges.
• Use saline nose drops or sprays.
• Use a humidifier to put water in the air. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for the use and proper care of your humidifier.
• Talk to others about concerns and ask for help if needed. Keeping in touch by phone or email can help with feelings of loneliness when sick.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.

Note: If the above suggestions do not work, review the guidelines for using over-the-counter (non-prescription) medications.

Over-the-counter medications

General guidelines
Before using an over-the-counter medication, you should know:

• how to use it (e.g., how much to use and how often);
• how long to use it;
• the possible side effects; and when to seek medical attention.

Note: Speak with a pharmacist or other health care provider if you are unsure about any of these points.

• Follow the instructions on the label. Pay particular attention to when the medication should not be used.
• To prevent adverse reactions or taking unnecessary medication, use an over-the-counter product that contains the least number of active ingredients required to treat your symptoms.
• Try "regular strength" products before "extra strength" and only take the dose recommended.
• If you are taking more than one medication at a time, check the labels to avoid taking the same ingredient twice.
• Check the expiry date on medications in your home. Take outdated medications to a pharmacy for disposal.
• Keep all medications out of the reach of children.

For muscle pain and fever

Use acetaminophen (may be the best choice for some people) or ibuprofen. There are cautions with the use of both of these medications. Speak with a pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions.

Note: Acetaminophen, when taken in high doses or with other medication or alcohol, may affect the liver or kidneys. Ibuprofen may upset the stomach and cause fluid (water) retention.

For a cough

If you have a dry cough that prevents you from sleeping or causes chest discomfort, you may wish to try a medication with dextromethorphan (DM).

For a stuffy nose

Try saline nose drops or sprays first.

• Nose drops or sprays act quickly and may cause fewer side effects than medications taken by mouth.
• Saline nose drops or sprays should only be used for two or three days because with longer use, nose stuffiness (congestion) can actually get worse.

Try a decongestant if saline nose drops or sprays don't work.

• Decongestants may cause side effects like rapid heartbeat and sleeping problems and should not be used in some cases.
• Speak with a pharmacist or health care provider and always read the label carefully before using a decongestant product.

For a sore throat

• If gargling with salt water has not worked, you may wish to try lozenges or throat sprays.
• Products with dyclonine will numb the throat while some other products have a soothing effect.

Complementary medicines

• Some people may wish to try complementary therapies such as herbal remedies.
• It is important to find out as much as possible about the type of product you are thinking of taking as some complementary products should not be used in certain situations. 
• It is recommended you talk to your pharmacist or health care provider before taking these products.

When to seek medical care

Seek medical advice if you or people in your care are at risk of severe illness from influenza, for example if they:

• Have heart or lung disease or any other chronic medical condition;
• Have a weakened immune system;
• Are pregnant;
• Are frail; and/or
• Are obese.

Seek emergency medical care if you, or someone in your care, have any of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath while resting or doing very little activity;
• Difficult or painful breathing;
• Coughing up bloody sputum (spit);
• Increased wheezing;
• Chest pain;
• Fever for three or four days without improvement;
• Feeling better then suddenly having a high fever or becoming ill again;
• Extreme drowsiness and difficulty awakening;
• Disorientation or confusion;
• Severe earache;
• Sudden inability to function in a normally independent, elderly person; or
• Have constant vomiting or diarrhea, especially in an elderly person.

Prescription medications

Antiviral medication:

• Can decrease the length and severity of the illness;
• Should be started within 48 hours after the first symptoms appear in order to work its best; and
• May be prescribed by a doctor for prevention or treatment of influenza
• Can decrease the length and severity of the illness;

Influenza viruses can become resistant to some antiviral medications if the drugs are not carefully used. This means the drugs are no longer effective to treat the illness.

Antibiotic medication:

• Is not usually prescribed for influenza but your doctor may prescribe these medications for complications such as pneumonia.