Flu and COVID Care

The best ways to prevent illness are practicing good hygiene, especially handwashing, physical distancing when others are sick, using an air purifier in group housing, and taking care of your immune system with proper sleep and nutrition.

The symptoms of a respiratory virus like flu or COVID can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others. If you have any of these symptoms that are not explained by another cause (like seasonal allergies), stay home and stay away from others. You can resume normal activities when both of the following have been true for at least 24 hours:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Your healthy body temperature when taken by a thermometer should be around 97-99 degrees.

Many people with COVID will get better with rest, fluids, and treatment for their symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can help. Some examples are fever reducers, pain relievers, and cough syrup or lozenges. If you are otherwise healthy, you may be able to treat COVID at home without prescribed medication.

1. If you have received a positive COVID diagnosis, you should isolate at home until your symptoms have been improving AND you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Check your body temperature with a thermometer. A healthy temperature is 97-99 degrees. While you isolate, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and rest until you are feeling better.
2. The best prevention for COVID-19 is a recent vaccine. Check with your pharmacy or healthcare provider about getting up-to-date on your vaccines. If you do get COVID, the vaccine is known to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness.

Otherwise healthy people can usually recover from the flu at home. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting at home, and taking over-the-counter medication to lessen symptoms can help you manage the flu. Flu symptoms can include sore throat, runny nose, fever, chills, and body aches.

1. If you have these symptoms or a positive flu test, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Your symptoms should lessen within one week, but you may still have a cough for up to two additional weeks.
2. The best prevention for flu is an annual flu shot. These are usually most effective when given in September or October, but check with your healthcare provider for their recommendations.