Preparing a home flu kit
Make sure you have the following items in your home:
- thermometer
- facial tissues
- soap and water
- ibuprofen (eg. Advil®) or
acetaminophen (eg. Tylenol® or Tempra®)
do not give ASA (eg. Aspirin®) to children and teens
Plan for someone to look after you or your children if you are ill and offer to provide them with the same support. You should also identify family members, friends or neighbours who may be living alone and call them regularly to see if they need help dealing with the flu.
If you have flu symptoms, you should:
- Stay home from school or work until you feel better and limit unnecessary contact with others.
- Contact your nearest health care provider or visit your nearest health care centre if you have risks for severe illness or you are concerned that you may need care - especially if your symptoms are severe or worsening. Early treatment (within 24 to 48 hours) may be very important.
- Go for emergency medical help or call 911 if you or a family member have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, severe weakness, are dehydrated or drowsy and confused, or if you have an infant under three months old with a fever.
For personal health advice call your health care provider
or call Health Links-Info Santé at
788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257
