This isn't the proper forum for this, but hang in there with me for a moment.
I am sick and tired of the national press scaring the hell out of every one about the swine flu. I am an Emergency Room R.N. and have some advice for you. First off the Swine Flu is just another flu.
Unless you have a condition which has caused your immune system to be compromised eg: HIV, AIDS, COPD, and diseases which require the constant use of steroids, most of you know who you are, when you think you have the flu see your doctor. For the rest of us, if you think you have the flu STAY HOME.
If you come to the ER we will swab your nose. If you have the flu we will tell you so, and then we will send you home with with no antibiotics, and the following advise....
Rest, Drink plenty of fluids, as an adult you can take up to 4 Ibuprofen tablets, or 800 mg, every 8 hours, (most people take 2 or 3 tablets) take them with food, they are rough on your stomach. You can take 2 extra strength Tylenol tablets or 1000 mg every 8 hours. Take the Ibuprofen, 4 hours later take the Tylenol, 4 hours later take the Tylenol again and keep repeating. Rest in bed with plenty of liquids. Please cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You don't want to give this to any one else.
Check the over the counter cold tablets you are taking such as 12 hour contact, NyQuil and Dayquil. They have Acetaminophen, or Tylenol in them. Do not take too much Tylenol as it can harm your liver!!!
To keep from getting the flu. Wash you hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Do not touch any part of your face with out first washing your hands. Do not eat with out washing your hands. Keep some of that alcohol based hand cleaner in your car. If you go out to eat at a fast food drive thru, before eating use the alcohol hand disinfectant.
The swine flu is just a flu. ALL FLU KILLS, It may make you wish you were dead, but normally only kills those with other medical problems when they catch the flu. Small children and the elderly are at the highest risk.
If your fever goes above 104 and the Tylenol and Ibuprofen won't bring it down see your doctor or go to a clinic or the ER. For the most part expect to be sick for a week. Can you use Tami flu? Yes for those with compromised immune systems it will help, but for most people with Tami flu you will feel better in about a week, with out Tami flu....you will feel better in about a week.
For those of you with children read the package labels for children;s Tylenol and Ibuprofen use the maximum dose for your child's age and weight. give them plenty of fluids, and yes if you are really scared about your kids see your pediatrician or come to the ER or go to an after hours clinic, Just understand if it is the flu you will receive our sympathy, but you not receive an antibiotic, they do not work on viruses.
We have seen between 20 and 40 cases of the flu each weekend for the past 4 weeks. None of us have contracted the flu because of follow the above techniques.
Stay healthy and happy sailing
I am sick and tired of the national press scaring the hell out of every one about the swine flu. I am an Emergency Room R.N. and have some advice for you. First off the Swine Flu is just another flu.
Unless you have a condition which has caused your immune system to be compromised eg: HIV, AIDS, COPD, and diseases which require the constant use of steroids, most of you know who you are, when you think you have the flu see your doctor. For the rest of us, if you think you have the flu STAY HOME.
If you come to the ER we will swab your nose. If you have the flu we will tell you so, and then we will send you home with with no antibiotics, and the following advise....
Rest, Drink plenty of fluids, as an adult you can take up to 4 Ibuprofen tablets, or 800 mg, every 8 hours, (most people take 2 or 3 tablets) take them with food, they are rough on your stomach. You can take 2 extra strength Tylenol tablets or 1000 mg every 8 hours. Take the Ibuprofen, 4 hours later take the Tylenol, 4 hours later take the Tylenol again and keep repeating. Rest in bed with plenty of liquids. Please cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. You don't want to give this to any one else.
Check the over the counter cold tablets you are taking such as 12 hour contact, NyQuil and Dayquil. They have Acetaminophen, or Tylenol in them. Do not take too much Tylenol as it can harm your liver!!!
To keep from getting the flu. Wash you hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Do not touch any part of your face with out first washing your hands. Do not eat with out washing your hands. Keep some of that alcohol based hand cleaner in your car. If you go out to eat at a fast food drive thru, before eating use the alcohol hand disinfectant.
The swine flu is just a flu. ALL FLU KILLS, It may make you wish you were dead, but normally only kills those with other medical problems when they catch the flu. Small children and the elderly are at the highest risk.
If your fever goes above 104 and the Tylenol and Ibuprofen won't bring it down see your doctor or go to a clinic or the ER. For the most part expect to be sick for a week. Can you use Tami flu? Yes for those with compromised immune systems it will help, but for most people with Tami flu you will feel better in about a week, with out Tami flu....you will feel better in about a week.
For those of you with children read the package labels for children;s Tylenol and Ibuprofen use the maximum dose for your child's age and weight. give them plenty of fluids, and yes if you are really scared about your kids see your pediatrician or come to the ER or go to an after hours clinic, Just understand if it is the flu you will receive our sympathy, but you not receive an antibiotic, they do not work on viruses.
We have seen between 20 and 40 cases of the flu each weekend for the past 4 weeks. None of us have contracted the flu because of follow the above techniques.
Stay healthy and happy sailing
