Educational points/tips for your patients about flu:
🤧 Flu is caused by influenza virus A or B. It’s is a viral infection that can resolve on its own within 7 to 10 days.
✅️ There is no room for antibiotic use here except for patients who develop a secondary bacterial infection, and this should be recommened by a docotor.
⚠️ We have to limit the use of unnecessary antibiotics to prevent bacterial resistance.
✔️It’s really important to reserve the use of such antibiotics to relevant cases only.
Management of flu❓️
1️⃣ Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
2️⃣ Frequently wash your hands with water and soap, if not available, a hand sanitizer should be used.
3️⃣ Cough/sneeze into tissue or into a sleeve to avoid spreading any illness.
4️⃣ Wear a mask whenever outside home (indoor public places).
5️⃣ Stay at home from work or school when symptoms are present and avoid getting close to individuals who are at high risk of influenza-related complications.
✨️ Facts:
🍋 Vitamin C consumption (mega doses) can only decrease the duration of flu by one or two days.
🍯 Organic honey was shown to be beneficial in soothing an irritated throat or calming a bothersome cough. Do not use honey in children less than one year of age or individuals who are diabetic!
Pharmacological management of flu❓️
1️⃣ Paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage fever, headache and body aches.
2️⃣ Avoid using aspirin especially in children and teenagers with high fever.
4️⃣ Use nasal saline products to releive nasal symptoms, they are safe for use and can be used as needed.
5️⃣ Antivirals are prescribed by doctors in certain cases.
6️⃣ ⚠️ Limit the use of nasal decongenstant sprays or drops as they should not be used more than twice daily for no longer than 3 days because longer use can cause an unwanted rebound congestion.
7️⃣ ⚠️ Cough and cold medications should not be used in children less that 6 years of age unless recommended by a doctor.
💉 Prevention is the key!
✅️ Get your flu shot anually because viral strains change each year and new shots are manufactured accordingly to cover the new emerging strains.
✅️ Immunization (vaccination) will protect you and protect other high-risk individuals in your community from developing serious complications!