Nurse+Notes

PREVENTION

 * wash hands (friction to remove a germ)
 * vaccine
 * eat healthy
 * avoid crowds if possible (hard to do at school)
 * sleep
 * drink lots of water
 * germ X
 * avoid salad bars (salad bar needs sneeze gaurd)
 * coming in contact

SERIOUS COMPLICATION

 * Worsens chronic conditions like ASTHMA (already constricted, and then filled with the fluid)
 * ==Secondary infection (flu complication)==
 * Usually feel better the fourth or fifth day but if not...secondary infections
 * sinus infection (bacterial infection green snot)
 * pneumonia
 * Infants can get a much HIGHER FEVER
 * Elderly don't get a big fever because their immune system is weak. They may not have many symptoms. Low grade fever. Weakness. Not eating and dehydrated.

SPREAD TRANSMISSION

 * Contagious one day before symptoms start.
 * Who is at risk? Babies and Elderly
 * Time season (October to May)
 * Number one reason elderly get the flu is their grandchildren.
 * ===How long does the virus last on an inanimate object like door knob? 2-8 hours===
 * ===Harkness tables: makes it easier to spread virus.===
 * ==How close to you need to be to spread the virus? Students are close together==

SYMPTOMS

 * High Fever (not true of COLD)
 * Serious runny nose with stuff in it (not true of COLD)
 * ===DOCTOR Has a rapid flu test===
 * Body aches (serious sign of flu vs. cold): head and back
 * NEVER TAKE ASPIRIN: REYES SYNDROME POSSIBLE, INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, DEATH POSSIBLE. TAKE TYLENOL or ADVIL
 * Vomiting symptom associated with young adults and children.
 * Nonproductive cough
 * TREATMENT**
 * rest
 * extra fluids
 * relieve the symptoms
 * don't compromise your body
 * VACCINES**
 * babies and elderly at high risk, first to get vaccine
 * CDC keeps up with the viruses that are most common, and there are three viruses in the vaccine
 * takes two weeks to build up an immunity.
 * Can't get the vaccine if you already are in the middle of having the flu.
 * rare side effect: muscle weakness, minor paralysis for a few weeks.

VIRAL INFECTION

 * antibiotics don't work
 * Virus associated with higher fever faster, quicker onset of symptoms than with bacteria.
 * light fever and sore throat risk

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

 * Within first two days for the best response.
 * Tamiflu