Influenza

Signs and Symptoms

Influenza comes on suddenly,with chills,fever,severe headache,backache and marked prostration.There may also be a digestive upset,with abdominal pain and diarrhea.Sore throat and nasal discharge are often present but in a considerable portion of cases they are not.Bronchitis and cough are likely to develop fairly soon after the onset.The symptoms of a mild case of "flu" are much likely those of a common cold,which make the decision as to which disease is present rather difficult in many instances.

What should be done

1. For headache, apply an ice bag to the head,but keep the room moderately warm and carefully avoid chilling the patient.
   
2. Keep the patient in bed and isolated from all other persons excepts nurse or attendant until at least a full day after the temperature has fallen to normal.
3. For cough,keep a kettle of water simmering in the room all the time and use medicated steam inhalations three times a day.
4. Give only a liquid diet until one day after patient's temperature has fallen to normal.He should take at least 12 glasses of fluid a day, chiefly water and fruit juices.
5. If signs of bronchopneumonia develop,it is wise to call a physician.