Important Flu Symptoms--(early Warning System)

[NightOwl]

Several members here have either suffered a flu attack or have had children or spouses who have contracted it.

I thought it might be helpful for all of us here if we were alerted by those with  experience (either professionally like Larry and other resident healthcare experts) or personally because you or someone you know has had the flu already this year.

If we can be alert to early signs, we might be able to avoid getting really really sick before seeking medical help.  (I know my own Darling Husband tends to brush illness aside and is reluctant--like most men--to see a doctor before he is half dead and sometimes, I am not much better--I bet others here can identify with that problem.)

Thanks for any information you are willing to  post about this.

[brainpause]

Great idea, Elisa.

Seems like there has been just a little variation locally, but generally speaking, the local flu has begun with:

"tickle in my throat"

woke up with a cough during the night

suddenly overcome with aches, coughing, fever

I believe that it is a subtle warning sign most of the time; in fact, so subtle that it is often not only ignored, but maybe not even "realized" until the person is sick.

What do you do? STAY HYDRATED!

WASH YOUR HANDS!

TYLENOL!

IBUPROFEN!

Interesting but effective: Alternate the Tylenol and Ibuprofen doses every two hours. That way, you are getting an anti-inflammatory or an anti-pyretic every two hours! If you can tolerate 800 mg of ibuprofen, I suggested to Holly to take 400 mg of ibuprofen with her first dose of Tylenol, then 400 mg more two hours later. But be sure you eat something with EACH AND EVERY DOSE of ibuprofen. Tylenol can usually be taken on an empty stomach.

Thanks for the thread Elisa. Anyone else with other "beginning" symptoms?

Larry

[NightOwl]

thanks, Larry.  Every bit of information helps.

I started a similar thread over at PUX and received several excellent replies over there which are very informative.  According to what I read over at their campfire forum,  "IT" has already swamped several school systems and even, hospitals, and receivng the vaccine is not a guarantee you will escape the flu (but we already knew that part.).

[vjm1639]

I suggested to Holly to take 400 mg of ibuprofen with her first dose of Tylenol, then 400 mg more two hours later.

Yep...this works great.  I had a doctor tell me that several years ago...I do this for an occasional headache too. We call it 2 and 2 (2 tylenol with 2 ibuprofen).  LOL Although..drinking a 7 and 7 might even better!   snicker>

[NightOwl]

Kelly, a friend at PUX posted the following   CDC website on a  flu symptoms thread I started over there,  and I  include the reference  here     in hopes that someone will benefit from checking out the contents of the URL she gave .  It is the most informative  online source I've seen so far,  and I highly recommend it if you want to know more about the flu season .

 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm

[Miss-Teri]

My oldest DD has always had to do the Advil/Tylenol combo because it's the only thing that keeps her fevers in check.
Thanks, Larry, for some excellent information!  (And keep us updated on how Holly is feeling please!)

[tlhdoc]

Thanks for the info.  I hope we don't need to use it.

[NightOwl]

Great idea, Elisa.


Interesting but effective: Alternate the Tylenol and Ibuprofen doses every two hours. That way, you are getting an anti-inflammatory or an anti-pyretic every two hours! If you can tolerate 800 mg of ibuprofen, I suggested to Holly to take 400 mg of ibuprofen with her first dose of Tylenol, then 400 mg more two hours later. But be sure you eat something with EACH AND EVERY DOSE of ibuprofen. Tylenol can usually be taken on an empty stomach.


Larry

Larry, somehow we had never heard this suggestion  before and I am so grateful you posted it!  It ranks right at the top  of the useful "tips" I have seen yet at PUT.  I made a note of this and put it in the medicine cabinet so that if one of us is sick and miserable, it will be handy when we need it!  (Either the Victim or the Caregiver, or both, stand to  benefit some miserable midnight)

[brainpause]

Interesting but effective: Alternate the Tylenol and Ibuprofen doses every two hours. That way, you are getting an anti-inflammatory or an anti-pyretic every two hours! If you can tolerate 800 mg of ibuprofen, I suggested to Holly to take 400 mg of ibuprofen with her first dose of Tylenol, then 400 mg more two hours later. But be sure you eat something with EACH AND EVERY DOSE of ibuprofen. Tylenol can usually be taken on an empty stomach.

I should clarify that if you are taking the ibuprofen every four hours as above, your dose should probably be no more than 400 mg each time. The first dose (WITH the Tylenol) can be 400 mg, and the second (2 hours later) is also 400 mg. The next dose (four hours later) is 400 mg.

Example:

800 am: Tylenol and 400 mg ibuprofen
1000am: 400 mg ibuprofen
1200 am: Tylenol
200 pm: 400 mg ibuprofen
400 pm: Tylenol
600 pm: 400 mg ibuprofen
800 pm: Tylenol
...and so on. Remember to eat a little something with ibuprofen!

Don't want anyone to burn a hole in your stomach!

Larry

[NightOwl]

.... Remember to eat a little something with ibuprofen!

Don't want anyone to burn a hole in your stomach!

Larry

Yep, Larry, I know from sad experience  these NSAIDS will sure  "eat a hole in your stiomach" if you dont take them with a snack or a meal.   While the generic form of ibuprofin is much cheaper and that is what we usually use, Advil  comes in a form called  LIQUI-GELS which we use if we are taking ibuprofin for several days in a row for something. .  Liqui-Gels Advil come in a   blue, liquid-filled  capsule (a bit more expensive than the regular stuff, however)  I find my sensitive stomach tolerates  this liquid form  better  than the dry version like pills or caplets.

[B-flat]

Every time I hear someone say they are not feeling well, I just tell them to take care and I move away just as quickly as possible.  I am not taking any chances that someone might sneeze or cough while I am nearby.  I am staying away from large crowds, too, except I have an annual event to go to on Tuesday for a luncheon.

[Opie431]

My first symptom was getting very tired.  After several hours I alternated between being very hot and very cold.  I am over the flu now but still get very tired and I understand the cough can last for several weeks.

[B-flat]

There's an outbreak of flu in NC and there have been several deaths. I am taking extra special care not to be around large crowds and to wash my hands frequently....take every precaution. There has been plenty on the new recently about the flu.

[Acts 2:38 girl]

just checking...DD (4 months old) has been sick for four days now.  I've been up with her since 2:30am!     Poor little girl!  She is couging, but it's not a dry cough.  She seems very congested and has a fever.  We're running the humidifier and, I hope she gets better soon, another night of being up two hours and I'll get sick!! :eek:

[brainpause]

just checking...DD (4 months old) has been sick for four days now.  I've been up with her since 2:30am!     Poor little girl!  She is couging, but it's not a dry cough.  She seems very congested and has a fever.  We're running the humidifier and, I hope she gets better soon, another night of being up two hours and I'll get sick!! :eek:

So sorry to hear the little one has been sick. But maybe this will tickle your funnybone.

You said you had been up since 2:30am. I looked at your post to see what time you posted and get an idea of how long you had been up. I guess our time zones and such are different, but the post is timed 2:31am! A WHOLE MINUTE!

*snicker* Maybe I'm the only one that sees the humor. I hope she gets better soon!

Larry