About this topic
Viral syndrome is an illness with signs like you would get with a cold or the flu. A tiny germ called a virus causes this infection. Most people get better in 1 to 2 weeks without treatment. This illness spreads easily from person to person. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Drink lots of water, juice, or broth to replace fluids lost in runny nose and fever. Suck on ice chips or popsicles to ease throat pain.
- Get lots of rest and sleep. Sleep helps your body get back the energy it needs.
- Stay away from others until you are feeling better.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Lower fever
- Help with pain from a sore throat
- Help a runny or stuffy nose
- Ease or stop coughing
Will physical activity be limited?
You need to rest while you are getting better. This means you may need to limit your activity until you feel well. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat foods that will not upset your stomach like chicken soup, bananas, rice, apples, or toast. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Lung problems like pneumonia and bronchitis
- Too much fluid loss
- Infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick. Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
- Take vitamin C to help build up your bodys ability to fight disease.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, and mouth sores.
- Trouble breathing
- Very bad throwing up or throwing up that does not stop
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my sore throat.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, very bad throwing up, or throwing up that does not stop.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚