The Flu
Patient Education

Doctors Who Treat Influenza / The Flu

Healthcare providers that care for an individual on an ongoing basis would most likely be the ones to diagnose and treat influenza, most commonly referred to as the flu. These include:

General Practitioner (family practice) - This doctor deals with prevention, discovery and treatment of illnesses in all age categories.

Internist - A physician who focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of adult illness.

Gynecologist - A clinician who specializes in female health.

Gerontologist - This is a specialist in senior or elder health.

Nurse Practitioner - A Nurse Practitioner focuses on prevention, wellness and education of patients about health and health choices.

Pulmonologist - A Pulmonologist focuses on health and disease of the lungs. This type of doctor will treat someone with influenza if respiratory problems or pneumonia sets in secondary to the initial influenza viral infection.

How to Prepare for Your Influenza / Flu Doctor Visit

Having made your appointment with a healthcare provider, there are certain actions that you need to take in order to maximize the benefit of your influenza / flu doctor visit. Read more in this patient education guide.

• Bring a list of symptoms with the time or date of onset.
• Be aware of your medical history - past conditions and allergies.
• Take with you a list of all medications you're taking including vitamins and supplements.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Influenza / The Flu

From your initial flu diagnosis throughout your treatment and care, you will have questions about your influenza. Listed in this patient education guide are questions to discuss with your doctor so you can make informed decisions about your condition.

Questions About My Diagnosis

• How can I distinguish between a cold and the flu?
• How long will my symptoms last? When will I feel better?
• How long will I be contagious?
• How do I know if this is Swine flu or a different type?
• How do I know if the flu is progressing to pneumonia or a secondary infection?

Questions About My Treatment

• Do antibiotics treat the flu?
• What drugs will help relieve the flu symptoms?
• Are there vitamins or supplements that treat the flu or hasten recovery?
• Are cold medications effective for the flu?
• Can a flu shot get rid of the flu?

Questions About My Lifestyle & Family

• What can I do to prevent my children or family from catching the flu?
• What should I eat and drink? What liquids or food should I avoid?
• When can I return to work?
• Would a vaporizer or humidifier help?
• Should my spouse sleep in a different room?
• Will smoking prolong the flu or make it worse?
• Is the flu shot safe in pregnancy? Can the flu harm my pregnancy?

Common Tests or Labs to Diagnose Influenza / The Flu

Mainly, the influenza outbreak is diagnosed by physical examination and a thorough history. However, there is a flu test now available. Read more in this patient education guide.

Test	Why Test?	What Happens?	What is Normal/Abnormal?
Flu Test	To confirm the presence of influenza virus	The throat or nasal passage is swabbed and the specimen is sealed in a packet to be tested by the laboratory.	Depending on the amount of virus being shed, a sample can show a distinction between the A and B viral strains of influenza with the result available within 15 minutes.

Commons Medications and Treatments for Influenza / The Flu

There are several treatment routes that one may take to hasten recovery from the flu and overcome the symptoms. Read more in this patient education guide.

Natural Remedies

• Hydration - One of the most important steps is to maintain hydration because fluid is markedly lost from fever and rapid breathing. Increasing water intake is very helpful in combating the infection, along with citrus juices for Vitamin C.
• Food - Even with a decreased appetite, eating provides the nutrition to maintain strength and boost immunity. Taking vitamin supplements (especially zinc) is also helpful.
• Sleep - Sleeping helps cell generation and also boosts immunity.
• Echinacea - Echinacea is an herb considered to be antiviral (acts similarly to interferon) and a stimulant for immunity.
• Goldenseal herb (Hydrastis Canadensis) - This herb is touted as an immunity stimulant.
• Garlic and onion - These vegetables have antiviral effects.
• Huang qi or Astragalus - These herbs are thought to boost immunity.

It is important to note that, although alternative or holistic practitioners tout these herbal remedies, they have not been scientifically proven to help fight the flu.

Drug Category	How the Medication Works?
Decongestants	Decreases congestion in the nasal passageway
Anti-Inflammatories	Reduces aches and fever while the body's defenses combat the viral infection
Neuraminidase Inhibitors	Given to patients who have had the flu for less than 48 hours Stops the spread of the influenza virus in the body to hasten recovery and inhibit secondary infections Reduces the amount of time symptoms are present
Antibiotics	Might be prescribed if the flu persists for more than one week Prevents secondary bacterial invaders that cause pneumonia