Table of Contents
Is it safe to be around someone with the flu?
The flu is a very contagious virus. An infected person often becomes contagious, or capable of spreading the virus to other people, even before they begin to show symptoms. Also, it’s possible to spread flu germs to others for up to seven days after becoming ill.
What do you do when a family member has the flu?
Call your health care provider if you think you or someone in your family has the flu. Information on treating many symptoms can be given over the phone. If you think you have the flu, stay home, unless you need medical care. In that case, wear a surgical or procedure mask to avoid spreading germs.
How do you prevent the flu when a family member has it?
By practicing a few simple rules at home, you can help keep your family healthy and prevent the flu from spreading.
- Get vaccinated.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash your hands often.
- Limit contact with family members who are ill.
- Clean your home.
- Practice healthy habits.
How do you comfort someone with the flu?
To help make someone with the flu more comfortable:
- Make sure that they can rest undisturbed and encourage sleep.
- Offer plenty of liquids, including broths, tea with honey and lemon, and water.
- Provide fresh water continually, with a straw for small sips.
- Provide multiple pillows and soft bedding.
Can you catch the flu sleeping in the same bed?
Sleeping in the same bed will increase your chances of contracting your spouse’s illness but often can’t be avoided, Dr. Thompson said. “You can’t move out of the house.” Regularly cleaning counters and frequently touched spots (like the fridge handles) may also cut down on germs.
Can you catch the flu from being in the same room?
The viruses that cause common illnesses such as the seasonal flu, common cold, stomach flu and COVID-19 can all be spread from person-to-person — especially between people who share common spaces or live with one another.
What do you send when someone has the flu?
It can help to keep the following handy when caring for someone with the flu:
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- washcloths for cool or warm compresses.
- a thermometer.
- cough drops.
- tissues.
- a menthol rub.
- a trash can and plastic bags.
Should I wash my sheets while I’m sick or after?
Bedding. When you’re sick, you spend a lot of time in bed. Well, those sheets, blankets, and comforters you’ve been lying on need to be disinfected, too, so throw them in the washing machine and set it on a hot cycle. And if your mattress has been soiled, give it a good cleaning.
Can I get the flu from hugging someone?
Don’t be afraid to give your sick child plenty of affection and don’t worry that a kiss or hug will spread your germs (or vice-versa). Cold and flu viruses like to enter the body through the nose or eyes, so a hug or a peck on the cheek isn’t likely to be dangerous.