Treat the Flu

Know when to stay home. Know when to seek medical attention.

When to stay home
When to see your physician or primary care provider
When to go to a hospital emergency department

When to stay home

Even though flu symptoms (such as fever, cough, muscle aches, a sore throat, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite) can make you feel really sick and can last for several days, in most cases you can care for yourself at home.

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids – to avoid dehydration
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches and fever

Avoid spreading the flu:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hand
• Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles with normal household disinfectants
• Keep at least two metres from household members and friends
• Postpone going out and getting your vaccine until after you are well
• Stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours AND you are feeling better

People who are unsure whether they should see a health care provider can call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 to speak to a nurse. Ottawa Public Health has also launched a new decision aid for parents. This online aid uses questions to help determine when you need to see a physician.

When to see your physician or primary care provider

People in the following situations should see a primary care provider:

• People who are at risk of severe complications from the flu. This includes children under 5 years, especially those under 2; seniors over 65 years; pregnant women; and people who have a cardiac disease, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, cancer, weakened immune systems, renal disease, anemia or morbid obesity.
  People in these groups should see a primary care provider within 48 hours of showing flu symptoms. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.
• People who do not have medical conditions but who see that one or more of their flu symptoms are worsening quickly. These people should seek medical attention immediately.

When to go to a hospital emergency department

If symptoms become severe – such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, lips turning blue, extreme weakness or passing out – go to a hospital emergency department.

Do not go to the emergency department to confirm that your illness is the flu, to get tested, to get vaccinated or to be cleared to resume your regular activities.

For more information

For information on H1N1 treatment, call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 to speak to a public health nurse.

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