Flu Tips from an RN
- Katie Fredette
- Jan 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Published to Medium.com, January 2025
Flu Season is here
As a telehealth nurse for a national company, I talk to patients from across the US about their health concerns every day, and I’ve noticed a huge uptick in hospitalizations for the flu in the past couple of weeks.
It’s January, meaning we’re smack dab in the middle of flu season, which is typically from December to February. Plus, we’re coming out of the holiday season, so plenty of people have been traveling and spending time with family and friends they don’t see regularly. The rise in flu cases isn’t at all surprising, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be concerned about it.
OK, How Bad Is It Really?
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 4,700 adult deaths, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 9.1 million cases of influenza since October 1, 2024[1]. I know that sounds like a lot, and in a way it is, but this actually puts us in the Moderate risk category for this flu season. It’s important to remember that these are estimates. Not all cases of the flu can be documented because not every person will seek care.
Additionally, H5N1 (Avian Influenza) is also raising some concerns for healthcare professionals. Currently, the CDC states the “current public health risk is low,[2]” but there have been 67 confirmed cases and 1 death associated with it. While over half of the cases were in California, there are 9 other states with confirmed reports. The vast majority of H5N1 has been associated with commercial agricultural operations, but it’s also possible to get it if you keep chickens in your yard (they can get it from wild birds).
The good news is there haven’t been any reports yet of person-to-person transmission of the disease (as far as I know). The bad news is that in the case that claimed the life of a Louisiana patient, the virus showed markers of mutation that suggest the virus is adapting to better infect humans.[3] There was a similar mutation in a case in British Columbia reported by The New England Journal of Medicine last month.[4]
How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?
Influenza is a respiratory virus, meaning that most of the symptoms involve your nose, throat, and lungs. From experience, it makes you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck. Anyone older than 65 or younger than 2 are likely to have worse symptoms and generally have worse outcomes.
The Most Common Symptoms of Influenza[5]
· runny nose
· sore throat
· fever/chills/sweating
· headache
· body aches
· exhaustion
· In children — ear pain and stomach upset
· Children also tend to get more ambiguous symptoms, like general fussiness or irritability
H5N1 has been presenting as conjunctivitis (pink eye) first
I know, a lot of these symptoms sound like a cold, right? But a cold rarely causes a fever and typically builds slowly, where flu symptoms tend to come on quickly.
The flu generally makes you feel pretty miserable, but most people get better on their own with plenty of rest and fluids. However, there are some symptoms to watch out for that would warrant a trip to the ER
Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Attention[5]
· Difficulty breathing or chest pain
· Confusion
· Dizziness
· Severe lethargy or dehydration
· Seizures
· Severe weakness or body pain
· In children — any abnormal breathing, turning gray, dry mouth or lack of tears when crying
If you have any existing medical conditions, like heart disease, asthma, etc., you should seek immediate medical attention for any worsening of those conditions. It’s also worth noting that for children, if symptoms get better then come back or get worse, you should take them in for immediate medical help.
OK, So What Do I Do If I Have the Flu?
If you’re over 65, under 2, have a preexisting condition, or are immunocompromised, see your doctor or an urgent care if you think you might have the flu. Most can get you tested, and there are some prescription medications that can limit the length and severity of your illness. Of course, if you have any emergency symptoms, like the ones listed above, head straight to the ER. The sooner you get care, the better your chances are at a full recovery.
If you’re generally healthy and you don’t have any concerning symptoms (see above) you can generally ride out the flu at home. Get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids and catch up on some Netflix in bed.
Over the counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help keep a fever down and help with some of the head and body aches.
Decongestants and antihistamines can help manage runny noses, cough, and congestion. Make sure you check in with your doctor before taking anything new, especially if you have a heart condition or are taking other medications (cough medicines are notorious for complicating high blood pressure). Always read the labels on those combination Cough and Cold remedies, and make sure you’re not doubling up on any of the medications in them.
Getting a flu vaccine is your best protection against serious complications, especially if you have any preexisting conditions. It won’t necessarily keep you from getting it, but it will typically limit the severity of your illness and lowers your chance of dying from influenza. The CDC recommends anyone over 6 months of age get their flu shot, with very rare exceptions.[6] You can still get the vaccine if you have an egg allergy, just make sure you tell your provider first.
Other ways to prevent the flu should sound very familiar to you, unless you somehow weren’t around in 2020.
· If you’re sick, STAY HOME
· Wash your hands, well and often
· Avoid touching your face
· Sanitize surfaces
· Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (WITH YOUR ARM, NOT YOUR HAND. Seriously, I’ll never understand how people can just go about their day with their hand covered in the nastiness that just came flying out of their face at 100 MPH. Unless you immediately wash your hands, that’s just…gross.)
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.
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