HJBR Jan/Feb 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  JAN / FEB 2020 51 Karen C. Lyon, PhD APRN, NEA CEO Louisiana State Board of Nursing DIAGNOSIS Differentiating flu from the common cold can be difficult based on symptoms only. They are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. In general, flu symptoms are more intense than those of the common cold. In order to clearly differentiate the two illnesses, special tests can be done within the first few days of symptoms. The most common are called rapid influenza diag- nostic tests (RIDTs), which can provide results within 15 minutes, but aren’t as ac- curate as other tests, such as rapid molec- ular assays that detect genetic material of the virus. 3 TREATMENT Patients who get sick with the flumay be candidates for antiviral drugs. These drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the du- ration of the illness by 1-2 days. They can also prevent complications often associat- ed with flu like pneumonia, bronchitis, si- nus infections, and ear infections. Groups at highest risk for developing these com- plications include seniors over 65 years of age, children with neurologic conditions, pregnant women, diabetics, young chil- dren, individuals with HIV/AIDS or cancer, and asthmatics. 3 Unless an individual has emergency warning signs of flu that re- quire immediate medical care, treatment should be directed toward self-care. in- cluding rest, drinking plenty of fluids, min- imizing contact with non-infected family members and others, washing hands often with soap and water, and using over-the- counter medications to treat fever, head- ache, muscle aches, stuffy/runny noses, and cough. Emergency warning signs in- clude 3 : In children • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish lips or face • Ribs pulling in with each breath • Chest pain • Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk) • Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying) • Not alert or interacting when awake • Seizures • Fever above 104°F • In children less than 12 weeks, fever • Fever or cough that improve but then re- turn or worsen • Worsening of chronic medical condi- tions In adults • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse • Seizures • Not urinating • Severe muscle pain • Severe weakness or unsteadiness • Fever or cough that improve but then re- turn or worsen • Worsening of chronic medical condi- tions * These lists are not inclusive. Consult your medical provider for any other severe or concerning symptoms. PREVENTION The most important step to prevent in- fluenza is getting a flu shot every year. Flu vaccines reduce ILI and decrease the se- verity of flu complications by protecting against the three or four viruses that are most common. Everyone six months or older should be vaccinated annually be- fore flu activity begins in your community for immunity to develop. Additional pre- ventive measures include avoiding con- tact with sick people, especially those with respiratory illnesses, covering mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, staying home if you have flu-like symptoms, and at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, and most importantly, washing your hands with soap and water. n REFERENCES 1 Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Pub- lic Health (2019). ladhhoph@dccbackup.com 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Re- port. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index. htm#ILIActivityMap 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). Influenza (Flu). https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/index.htm “Differentiating flu from the common cold can be difficult based on symptoms only. ”