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Caring for Someone Sick

Caring for someone who is sick

Questions

Get immediate medical care if the sick person experiences:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Steps to Take if You Get the Flu

  1. If you get very sick, are pregnant, or are 65 years or older, or are otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications, call your doctor. You might need antiviral drugs to treat flu.
  2. Stay at home and rest.
  3. Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you won’t make them sick.
  4. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).

When caring for people who have the flu:

  • Avoid being face to face with the sick person. If possible, it is best to spend the least amount of time in close contact with a sick person.
  • When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.
  • Wash your hands often and right way.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Make sure to wash your hands after touching the sick person. Wash after handling their tissues or laundry.

Digital Resources

  • Do your part to stop the spread of flu
  • Flu Guide for Parents

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Influenza Types

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