Home care for all forms of influenza, including
swine flu or
H1N1 influenza, includes:
- Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or rimantadine (Flumadine).
- These medications usually need to be started within the first 48 hours of the onset of your flu symptoms in order to be effective.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid exposure to secondary smoke.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Soothe the throat with apple juice, warm soup or hard candy.
- Take prescription medicine as directed.
- Blow your nose gently.
- Use saline nose drops to clear the nose.
- Apply petroleum jelly to dry skin around the nostrils.
- Take nonprescription medication for sore throat:
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Perform deep breathing exercises.
- Some people may benefit from medicines for cough or congestion:
- Decongestant medications:
- Dextromethorphan for cough
- Place a vaporizer or nebulizer in the bedroom at night.
- Those who are less than 19 years of age should avoid aspirin as this may increase the risk for Reye's syndrome.
- Acetaminophen for pain or fever control
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain or fever control
