What should you know about influenza treatment at home?

Influenza may cause fever, chills, cough, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell. Appetite can fall, and coughing may continue after the worst symptoms ease. Improvement is usually gradual rather than immediate. Monitor how you are breathing, drinking, urinating, and functioning, because these clues can show whether you are coping safely at home.

Home care is not a substitute for assessment when you are pregnant, very young, older, immunocompromised, or living with a significant medical condition. These groups may need earlier advice, and a clinician can decide whether prescription treatment is appropriate.

Sleep and rest as your body needs. Sip water, oral rehydration fluid, or another suitable drink regularly, and choose easy foods if your appetite is low. Use paracetamol or another recommended medicine only according to its directions and check with a pharmacist if you take other products. Keep the room comfortable, wash hands often, cover coughs, and avoid sharing household items. Stay home and limit close contact while you are unwell.

Seek urgent medical help for difficult or fast breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to drink, or very little urine. Contact a clinician if symptoms worsen, return after improving, or leave you unable to manage usual activities. A persistent or worsening cough may need assessment for pneumonia or another problem.

Ask which pain or fever medicine fits your age and health, whether you need an antiviral, how to protect family members, and what change in symptoms should prompt a review.