• chills and fever
• muscle aches
• dry cough, little phlegm (sputum)
• sore throat
• hoarseness
• runny nose
• headache
• feeling tired

• avoid direct contact with infected person or indirect contact (for example, using same drinking glass)
• avoid semi closed or crowded areas during the flu season
• increased risk if under stress, poor nutrition, recent illness that lowers resistance, pregnancy, chronic illness, and elderly
• flu vaccines are available each fall and you should consider a vaccine if you are older than 65 or have a chronic heart or lung disease

• the flu discomforts should last about 7-10 days
• treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms:

nasal congestion - use salt water drops (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of water)

sore throat - gargle with warm or cold double strength tea or salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 3 ounces of water)

hoarseness and cough - cool mist humidifier will increase moisture in the air. This helps to thin secretions so they can be coughed up. Use cough syrups.

muscle aches - warm moist compresses or a heating pad.

fever - use acetaminophen for fever reduction. Avoid the use of aspirin because it has been linked to Reye's Syndrome. Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 glasses a day. Rest will allow your body to use its own defense to fight the virus.

• fever increases
• sputum contains blood
• increased shortness of breath or chest pain
• thick drainage from nose, ears, or sinus
• neck pain or stiffness
• earache