Colds and Flu

Follow these steps to manage colds and flu:

1. Are any of the following present in a child? (rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, marked irritability or lethargy)

if YES: see doctor now!
if NO: proceed to #2.

2. Is ear discomfort more than mild?

if YES: see doctor now!
if NO: proceed to #3.

3. Has the person coughed up thick, foul-smelling, rusty, or greenish mucus?

if YES: call doctor
if NO: proceed to #4.

4. Is the throat more than mildly sore?

if YES: see Sore Throat
if NO: use home treatment


HOME TREATMENT

"Take two aspirin and call me in the morning." This familiar phrase doesn't indicate neglect or lack of sympathy. Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are effective remedies for the fever and muscular aches of the common cold. The fever, aches, and exhaustion are most pronounced in the afternoon and evening, so take medications regularly over this period.

Because of the rare but serious problem of thebrain and liver known as Reye's syndrome, give children and teenagers acetaminophen instead of aspirin.

Drink a lot of liquid. This is insurance. The body requires more fluid when you have fever. Fluids help to keep the mucous more liquid and help prevent complications such as bronchitis and ear infection.

Rest.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

The ears, nose, throat, and chest will be examined, and the abdomen may be examined.
If a bacterial pneumonia is suspected, a chest X-ray may be done, but X-rays rarely help.
If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will be prescribed.

If the cold or flu is uncomplicated, the doctor should explain this and prescribe home treatment. Unnecessary use of antibiotics invites unnecessary complications, such as reaction to the antibiotics and superinfections by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Source: Take Care of Yourself by Vickery and Fries. 6th Ed.