Flu Updates

Flu season is in full swing in Northern Nevada.  The very cold temperatures has forced us all inside and influenza loves it. These are the exact conditions for maximum ease of transmission of the flu. Remember to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, stay hydrated, stay warm, do not come into work if you are ill, and if you haven’t had your flu shot yet, you should consider getting one as soon as possible.

Common Influenza Symptoms

• Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body Aches
• Upper Respiratory Issues

Less Common Symptoms Associated with Influenza

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Stay home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms that are manageable and you are gradually getting better. Most healthy adults will recover without needing medical care and should stay home.

What to do at home

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Once fever is gone, stay home at least 48 hours
• Make sure to get up and move every 2 – 4 hours while awake

Those with influenza should stay home from the first signs of symptoms to at least 48 hours after their fever is gone. You may still be contagious after symptoms have subsided

Seek treatment if… You have underlying health issues such as pregnancy, asthma, obesity, COPD, diabetes or autoimmune disorders and are experiencing extreme flu-like symptoms or your influenza symptoms have not improved after 48 hours.

• Call your primary care physician for an appointment. Please do not show up without an appointment.
• If your physician is not available and you need immediate assistance, you may seek treatment at one of the following walk-in facilities. Please follow the link for locations and hours of operations:
  • Carson Tahoe Clinics at Walmart
  • Carson Tahoe Urgent Care and Emergent Care

Only seek emergency medical care if…

Warning signs for children

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Shows signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough, or breathing difficulties
• Seizures (uncontrolled convulsions)

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough, or breathing difficulties
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Vomiting and inability to keep liquids down
• High fever

For More Information, Contact the Center for Disease Control:

• (800) CDC-INFO
• (800) 232-4636
• www.cdc.gov/flu