GRAND RAPIDS – With an increase in flu cases reported at Grand Rapids' three major hospitals, health officials are offering tips in prevention and care for the flu.
Flu symptoms include: Fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also vomit and have diarrhea. Some have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
Treatment: At first sign of flu, call your doctor and get a prescription for Tamiflu or another antiviral drug, says Micki Benz, spokeswoman for Saint Mary's Health Care. Antiviral drugs should be taken within two days of getting sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by a day or two.
When to seek medical help: If you feel dehydrated (have a dry mouth), experience wheezing or general weakness or can't control your fever, go to your doctor or to an urgent care center or emergency room.
If you don't have the flu: It's not too late to get a flu vaccine, although it will take about two weeks to build up antibodies, says Dr. David Dobbie, an infectious disease specialist at Spectrum Health. And don't forget to get the flu vaccine next fall.
“It's a good time to remind the public to keep washing their hands and using hand sanitizer,” adds Ellen Bristol, spokesperson at Metro Health.
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