How should I take care of someone with the flu?

To care for someone with the flu, keep him at home and do what you can to make him comfortable. Be sure he drinks enough fluids and eats a little.

If you're caring for a child with the flu, get emergency medical help if she has trouble breathing or is breathing fast, her skin turns bluish, she isn't drinking enough fluids, she won't wake up, she's too irritable to be held, she develops a fever with a rash, or her flu symptoms improve and then come back with a fever and worse cough.

If the person with flu is an adult, get emergency help if he has trouble breathing, feels pain or pressure in his chest or abdomen, suddenly becomes dizzy or confused, develops severe or persistent vomiting, or has flu-like symptoms that get better but then return with a fever and worse cough.

It's also important to stay well yourself. Get a flu shot if you haven't already, and wash your hands frequently.

If someone in your care has influenza (flu), you need to make sure that he or she gets enough rest and drinks fluids throughout the day. You can use over the counter medications as directed to relieve symptoms such as congestion, headache, and fever. For example, decongestants relieve congestion and ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve the fever, headache, and body aches of the flu. Prescription medications from the doctor must be given as instructed. Be alert for signs that the person you are caring for is developing pneumonia. These symptoms include severe cough, high fever, breathing problems, and pain when breathing. If the person has these symptoms, take him or her to a doctor right away.