Caring for Family Members with the Flu

Fall has arrived and so has the flu season. While the flu never really disappeared this past summer as it often does, health officials expect an increase of flu cases in the coming months. In addition to the regular seasonal flu, communities across the country will need to deal with the new H1N1 flu virus.

One of the most important things you can do to help prevent the spread of the flu is to stay home when you are sick and make sure your family does, too. As a result, you may need to provide care at home for family members with the flu. Some ideas to lessen the spread of flu in your household are:
• Encourage good hand washing techniques. Wash hands using soap and running water for 15 seconds.
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom and children’s toys) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately. However, these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
• Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) with household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
• Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

People infected with the flu may have symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

A person with the flu should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, except to seek medical attention. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

Some people, including women who are pregnant and individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma, are at greater risk for serious flu complications. If you are caring for someone at high risk, you should check with their health care provider about any special care they might need.

Remember to take care of yourself. If you become sick, no one will be available to care for the people who are depending on you.
Additional information about the flu is available at www.dhss.mo.gov/BT_Response/_H1N1Flu.html.

Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services