If you start experiencing flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, cough or shortness of breath), you should stay home and drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, avoid contact with other people and take one of the following next steps:
- Call a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788
- Do a BronsonConnect Video Visit
- Contact your primary care provider via telephone or through Bronson MyChart
Because flu and COVID-19 symptoms are so similar, it is important you self-isolate for at least 14 days, outside from seeking medical care. If you live with others, even pets, you should try to find an area of the home, away from others, where you can quarantine.
Those at high risk for flu complications include adults over the age of 65, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and HIV. High-risk patients should contact their healthcare provider at the first signs of flu symptoms.
Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions when it comes to the emergency department. It’s important to remember that the hospital is intended for those who are very sick. You should not go to the hospital if you are only mildly ill.
If warning signs of flu complications appear, you should call 911. Those signs include: trouble breathing, bluish skin color, unable to eat or drink, unresponsive, sudden dizziness, confusion, symptoms improve but then return. Additional warning sign in children include: no tears when crying, significantly fewer wet diapers than normal, or fever with a rash.
Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) are treatment options for the flu. They are medicines that must be prescribed to you by your doctor and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for the flu vaccine.
If you get the flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. The treatment should be started within 48 hours of becoming sick with flu symptoms and can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about one day. Side effects of antiviral drugs for flu include nausea and vomiting. You should consult with your doctor about possible treatment options.