when to get treatment for dehydration from the flu

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1. Take Plenty of Rest...

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How do you treat dehydration from the flu?

Give plenty of liquids at the first sign of flu. Sick people with the flu need to drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Mild fluid loss can most often be treated at home. Yet, severe dehydration is VERY serious and must be treated in the hospital.

Is hydration the key to recovery from the flu?

Whether it's you or your children tackling the flu this winter, Abbott research scientist Jennifer Williams, MPH explains that hydration is an important part of recovery.

When should you go to the emergency room for dehydration?

If you’re dehydrated and vomiting, especially for more than four to five hours, you should visit the emergency room so your fluid loss doesn’t become severe. (3, 4) What Are the Health Benefits of Drinking Water?

Can dehydration be treated?

You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment. Thirst isn't always a reliable early indicator of the body's need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don't feel thirsty until they're already dehydrated.

When should you go to the ER for dehydration?

Call 911 or go to the emergency room (ER) right away if you have: Weakness. Dizziness or fainting. Drowsiness or confusion.

How do you rehydrate when you have the flu?

Clear liquid broth has vitamins and electrolytes that help rehydrate. Stay away from drinks high in sugar and caffeine as well as alcoholic beverages. Avoid coffee as well. Try decaf teas with chamomile, ginger, mint, or licorice root.

How long does it take to rehydrate your body after being sick?

Replacing water and electrolytes (oral rehydration) completely takes about 36 hours. But you should feel better within a few hours. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

What are the signs of severe dehydration?

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have symptoms of severe dehydration, or (see below) heatstroke:A temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.Muscle twitching.Red, hot, dry skin.Nausea.Rapid pulse.Seizures.Lack of sweating.Confusion, altered mental state, slurred speech.More items...•

What are the 10 signs of dehydration?

10 Signs of Dehydration To Watch Out ForExtreme thirst.Urinating less than usual.Headache.Dark-colored urine.Sluggishness and fatigue.Bad breath.Dry mouth.Sugar cravings.More items...

What is the fastest way to cure dehydration?

The fastest way to cure dehydration is to take an oral rehydration solution and treat the underlying cause of fluid loss. With mild or moderate dehydration, drinking plenty of fluids should be enough to replenish your fluids.

What are symptoms of mild dehydration?

Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include:Thirst.Dry or sticky mouth.Not peeing very much.Dark yellow pee.Dry, cool skin.Headache.Muscle cramps.

What is the quickest way to rehydrate your body?

If you're worried about your or someone else's hydration status, here are the 5 best ways to rehydrate quickly.Water. ... Coffee and tea. ... Skim and low fat milk. ... 4. Fruits and vegetables. ... Oral hydration solutions.

How to prevent fluid loss?

Tips to Prevent Fluid Loss (Dehydration) Give plenty of liquids at the first sign of flu. Sick people with the flu need to drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Mild fluid loss can most often be treated at home. Yet, severe dehydration is VERY serious and must be treated in the hospital.

What to do when you are sick?

If the sick person is not eating well, encourage them to drink liquids. Avoid alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them such as colas, tea, and coffee. Older adults and people with kidney problems should check with their doctor about safe amounts of liquid to drink when sick.

What to do if you have a fever?

If you have concerns about a high or long-lasting fever, talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment. 3. Alleviating Headaches. Your body contains a lot of water, about two-thirds of the body is fluid, but your brain has even more.

How does hydration help the body?

Hydration is also key to digestion, and the gastrointestinal tract is better able to absorb and use nutrients from food when there's enough water in your system. When essential nutrients are available to the cells in the body, it can appropriately recover from illness.

Is the stomach flu a virus?

That's true of both influenza and the stomach flu, which, despite its name, actually has nothing to do with the flu. The "stomach flu," aka gastroenteritis, actually refers to an inflammation in the gastrointestinal or GI tract and is typically caused by viruses or bacteria.

Does water help with fever?

Water is key to regulating core temperature , and dehydration can exacerbate an already existing fever. On the other hand, it's important to realize that mild fevers can be a healthy part of the immune system's response since they mean that your body is at work zapping whatever's got you down.

Is hydration important for recovery?

Whether it's you or your children tackling the flu this winter, Abbott research scientist Jennifer Williams, MPH explains that hydration is an important part of recovery. Williams specializes in pediatric nutrition and says that learning how to stay hydrated during illness can not only help ease the symptoms of the flu but can also help get you on ...

How to treat dehydration in children?

The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, the severity of dehydration and its cause. For infants and children who have become dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution.

What to do if your child is dehydrated?

If you, your child or an adult who you care for is showing signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy or reduced responsiveness, seek immediate care at a hospital. If you have time to prepare for your appointment, here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from the doctor.

What tests can be done to check for dehydration?

Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working. Urinalysis . Tests done on your urine can help show whether you're dehydrated and to what degree.

Can dehydration cause low blood pressure?

If you're dehydrated, you're also likely to have low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying to a standing position, a faster than normal heart rate and reduced blood flow to your extremities. To help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the degree of dehydration, you may have other tests, such as: Blood tests.

How to get rid of a flu?

throw it in the trash and. wash your hands . Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.

How long does it take to recover from the flu?

Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. But some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.

What are the complications of the flu?

Moderate complications of flu include: sinus infections. ear infections. Possible serious complications triggered by flu can include: lung infection (pneumonia) inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle. organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure) sepsis, which can be deadly.

How old do you have to be to give a child cough medicine?

Children 4 years or older: discuss with your child’s doctor if over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are safe to give to your child for temporary symptom relief. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.

What is the flu?

Flu is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.

Can antiviral drugs make you better?

These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. If you are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms, you need to contact your doctor when you first notice flu symptoms. Remind them about your high-risk status for flu. See Treatment – Antiviral Drugs for more information.

Can antibiotics help with flu?

Antibiotics Won’t Help. When you have flu, antibiotics will not help you feel better. Antibiotics won’ t help you , and their side effects could cause harm. Side effects of antibiotics can range from minor issues, like a rash, to very serious health problems, such as.

Why do children get dehydrated?

The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies, and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration. This means that even minor illnesses, such as infections affecting the lungs or bladder, ...

Why do we need to drink water in hot weather?

Hot or cold weather. You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating. You may also need extra water in cold weather to combat moisture loss from dry air, particularly at higher altitudes. Illness.

What happens if you have diarrhea and vomiting?

If you have vomiting along with diarrhea, you lose even more fluids and minerals. Fever. In general, the higher your fever, the more dehydrated you may become. The problem worsens if you have a fever in addition to diarrhea and vomiting. Excessive sweating.

What happens if you don't replace your water?

If you don't replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated.

Why does sweating cause heat sickness?

That's because when the air is humid, sweat can't evaporate and cool you as quickly as it normally does, and this can lead to an increased body temperature and the need for more fluids.

What happens if you don't drink enough fluids?

Heat injury. If you don't drink enough fluids when you're exercising vigorously and perspiring heavily, you may end up with a heat injury, ranging in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Why does thirst become less acute as you age?

As you age, your body's fluid reserve becomes smaller , your ability to conserve water is reduced and your thirst sense becomes less acute. These problems are compounded by chronic illnesses such as diabetes and dementia, and by the use of certain medications.

What should I do when I'm sick?

What should I do while I’m sick? Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

Can the flu cause death?

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death . Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Can you go to the emergency room if you are sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, ...

Can you take Aspirin with the flu?

CDC also recommends that children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have flu or are suspected to have flu should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause a rare, very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.

What is severe dehydration?

iStock. Dehydration happens when your body has lost so much fluid and electrolytes that there isn’t enough left for your body to function normally. ( 1) This common condition is easily addressed in most cases by simply drinking enough fluid to replenish your stores.

How long should you wait to get water for a child?

A child who has these symptoms should receive fluid orally, if they can keep it down, and medical attention. If you’re dehydrated and vomiting, especially for more than four to five hours, you should visit the emergency room so your fluid loss doesn’t become severe. (3, 4) More on Why You Need Water.

What percentage of body weight is lost due to fluid depletion?

Once you have lost the 15 percent to 25 percent of your total body weight to fluid depletion, death is likely to occur, Arkun says. But this stage is extremely rare and usually happens when someone can’t rehydrate themselves or get help from others.

What happens if you lose fluid in your body?

If fluid loss is severe enough, your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body, leading to hypovolemic shock. Symptoms include pale, cool and clammy skin; a rapid heartbeat; and shallow breathing. (3, 5) You must be taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment when you are in this stage, typically for intravenous rehydration.

What causes fluid depletion?

Typical scenarios that might cause fluid depletion include overexertion, especially in hot weather, which can lead to excessive sweating; illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea, such as the flu; and chronic illnesses, such as uncontrolled diabetes, which can cause excessive urination. (1)

Can you pass out from electrolyte deficiency?

Severe (Over 10 Percent Loss) This stage can be life-threatening. “You can pass out,” says Arkun. “Because of electrolyte abnormalities, severely dehydrated people can have seizures and they can die.”. Muscle spasms can intensify. “The worst thing that could happen, of course, is a spasm of your heart muscle.

Can lack of water cause heat illness?

Anyone who lacks access to clean drinking water Losing fluid can compromise your body’s ability to cool off and can lead to heat illness — particularly when a person has a fever or the weather is hot. A person who is poor may lack access to water or a place to cool off, notes Dr. Gupta.

Signs of dehydration

Some signs of dehydration can be confused with a need for rest or food to regain energy.

How IV Hydration Can Help

Dehydration typically causes you to feel tired and sluggish, and increases your risk of developing other chronic issues. If you experience dehydration from flu symptoms and are unable to hydrate yourself, visit us to get the IV hydration your body needs!

How to help a person with the flu?

If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms.

What to take for achiness from influenza?

Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza.

How long should you stay home with a fever?

To help control the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children home until fever has been gone for 24 hours. Avoid being around other people until you're feeling better, unless you're getting medical care. If you do need to leave your home and get medical care, wear a face mask.

Do you need to be tested for influenza?

During times when influenza is widespread, you may not need to be tested for influenza. Your doctor may diagnose you based on your signs and symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you be tested for influenza. He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many ...

Can amantadine cause nausea?

Antiviral medication side effects may include nausea and vomiting. These side effects may be lessened if the drug is taken with food. Most circulating strains of influenza have become resistant to amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), which are older antiviral drugs that are no longer recommended.