How to Take Care of a Loved One with Flu-like Symptoms
Sometimes, looking after someone while they have flu-like symptoms can be an annoying inconvenience; at other times, it can be both challenging and terrifying.
When the sniffles start and the cold weather sets in, you know you’ll become a designated carer within a few days. Whether it’s a spouse, child, or parent, you must look after them well and know what treatment they need.
From learning to be compassionate to knowing when to call a doctor, this task isn’t always easy. And, you probably haven’t had any formal training. If you want some simple guidance, you’ve come to the right place.
Read on to find out more.
Be Patient and Kind
When it’s your child, it’s easier to wipe a snotty nose without being too irritated. When it’s your spouse, it’s often a different story. If you find yourself irritated with their lack of productivity, remind yourself that it’s temporary.
Give them extra love and care (even if you don’t feel like it). The last thing you’d want is for them to start hiding worsening symptoms from you.
Log Symptoms and Medications
Although home flu care is usually appropriate, sometimes you need to refer them to a healthcare professional. In this case, they’ll ask you questions about when it started and any medications they’ve taken.
No one can remember these details accurately. Instead of relying on memory, you should write a log of symptom progression and treatments you’ve given them. It may prove very useful.
Provide Practical Support
When caring for a flu-like patient, remember that even getting to the toilet feels like an impossible task when you have flu.
You should accept that you’ll likely be providing all their food, drink, and medications for a few days. Make sure you don’t forget about them!
Additionally, help out with unavoidable administrative tasks such as calling employers and replying to urgent emails. Remember that cold and flu medicine can make people drowsy, so try to prompt them about tasks they need to complete.
Know When to See a Doctor
If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that sometimes home remedies aren’t appropriate. If your loved one seems to be deteriorating, not getting better, confused, or having difficulty breathing, it’s time to get professional help.
It’d help to learn more about flu, expected symptoms, and red flags that may require urgent attention. Learn about meningitis, sepsis, and severe COVID-19 symptoms, so you know when to take them to the emergency room.
Don’t Let Flu-Like Symptoms Get You Down
Helping someone with flu-like symptoms can feel tedious and, at times, scary. But knowing what to expect and when to act will help you manage the process from start to finish.
So, next time a loved one comes down with flu, be proactive and help them every way you can (as you’d hope someone would do for you).
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