I’m Sick. What Should I Do? Suggestions for Colds and Flu | University Health Service
Here’s how to care for yourself if you’re sick.
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Videos:
How to take care of the common cold:
For sore throat:
See Sore Throat? Here’s What to Do
For fever:
Self-care is okay for fever less than 101° F (38.3° C).
Call for medical advice if you have:
- Fever greater than 101° F (38.3° C) for more than 3 days
- Fever that fluctuates above 101° F (38.3° C) several times a day
- Shaking chills
For cough:
Self-care is okay for dry cough
Call for medical advice if you have:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Foul smelling, brown or bloody mucus
For runny nose and sneezing:
Self-care is okay for:
- Relatively clear mucus, including light yellow mucus
- Mild sinus and/or facial discomfort
Call for medical advice if you have:
- Foul smelling, brown or bloody mucus
- Severe sinus and/or facial discomfort
For headache:
Self-care is okay for:
- Mild pain
- Pain that improves with non-prescription pain reliever (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY (call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department) if you have headache with:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stiffness in neck or back
- Mental changes e.g. agitation or confusion
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound sensitivity
- Severe headache with fever greater than 101° F (38.3° C) and rash anywhere on the body
These could be symptoms of meningitis, which can be life-threatening
For fatigue:
Self-care is okay if you have general tiredness
Call for medical advice if you have prolonged fatigue
For earache:
Self-care is okay if you have stuffy or clogged ears
Call for medical advice if you have pain in ears, or discharge from ears
How to call for advice:
Nurse Advice by Phone is available day and night, which may save a trip to UHS, the ER or an urgent care facility.
- Drink liquids, at least 64 ounces (8 cups or 2 liters) per day to keep you hydrated and to thin mucus. Beverages can include water, tea ((herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help.
- Rest and avoid over-exertion, caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Sore Throat? Here’s What to Do
- Colds and Flu – Treating with Medication
- Protect others by practicing good prevention measures — See Take Care of Yourself and Your Fellow Wolverines!
