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County of Orange
Public Health Services |
Juliette A. Poulson, RN, MN Mark B. Horton, MD, MSPH Mailing Address: |
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: Howard
Sutter |
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(Santa Ana) – When it comes to caring for someone with influenza, a little old fashioned TLC may be among the best remedies. “The good news is that most people will recover from influenza without complications, although they will experience the symptoms of influenza for several days,” said Dr. Mark Horton, County Health Officer. Uncomplicated influenza can last from two to seven days, with full recovery taking one to two weeks. Self-care recommendations for influenza include:
Those with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung problems should contact their physician if they become ill. Medical attention may be advisable if the patient is not better after five to six days of illness or if their flu symptoms are unusually severe. Indications to seek medical treatment include the patient’s condition worsening after an initial improvement; difficulty breathing; an inability to drink or keep down fluids; or coughing up a large amount of yellow or greenish material, especially with shortness of breath or weakness. Hospital emergency rooms in Orange County are experiencing an increase in visits for flu-like illnesses. The public is urged to seek care from their private physician, medical clinics or urgent care centers whenever possible so that emergency rooms are available for the most seriously ill patients. Public health officials also recommend that those with flu-like symptoms remain home from work, school or other activities to help prevent the spread of the virus. Additional ways to limit the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses include frequent hand washing with soap and water and covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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