Flu in Adults Treatment

1. Rest in bed. Avoid physical exertion. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
2. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, and clear soups (chicken). Water should never be the sole or main liquid consumed because it does not contain adequate electrolytes (sodium and potassium, for example) that the body requires. Commercially available products such as Gatorade and other similar sports drinks can be useful in this regard. A similar rehydrating solution can be made at home using salt, sugar, and plain water. Adding some orange juice and mashed bananas enhances the taste and also provides a good source of potassium. Such a solution can be used by anyone, regardless of age.
3. Treat fever and aches with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn). Use cough suppressants and expectorants to treat the cough.
4. Steam inhalations may be useful in opening up a blocked nose and thus make breathing easier.
1. To create steam, run the HOT water in the kitchen sink or bathroom basin, then sit with a towel over your head and the basin and inhale the steam. The water should be hot, not boiling under your face. Use caution if you have asthma. You may enhance the decongestant effect of the steam by adding a half teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil, or a few slices of ginger to the water in the basin.
2. Another simple method is steaming up the bathroom by letting the shower run with hot water only. (Close the door and window) Inhaling the moisture in a steamy room can work to open up a blocked nose. Be careful not to sit directly under the shower in order to avoid getting burned.
5. Avoid touching hard surfaces where flu viruses may remain alive: handrails, telephones, doors, faucets, and counters. Wash your hands often, especially after being in public places or at work.
6. Cough and sneeze into a soft tissue or handkerchief. Carefully dispose of soft tissues after using them.
7. Stay away from people who have the flu, if possible.

People who are suspected of having swine influenza should stay home from work and not go into the community, including attending school or going to work. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (<100 F) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. There are special precautions for health-care settings; people should not return to work in a health-care setting for at least seven days from symptom onset or until resolution of symptoms (whichever is longer).

Prevention and Vaccines

Simple measures have been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza. These include frequent hand washing with soap and water or disinfection with alcohol. People should try to avoid touching their face- eyes, nose, or mouth especially.  The influenza virus can live about two hours on surfaces that become contaminated. During coughs and sneezes, the mouth should be covered with a tissue or cough into your elbow. In areas with large numbers of cases, it is best to minimize nonessential exposure to crowds. Sick people should stay home whenever possible.

To reduce the risk of spreading swine flu to other family members, everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently. Alcohol-based sanitizing gels are available in stores and may be used instead of soap and water when hands are not visibly soiled.