Information for Family Members About Influenza A Diagnosis
Your family member has tested positive for influenza A, and most people recover at home within 5-7 days with supportive care including rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 1, 2
What to Expect During Illness
Typical symptoms include:
- Fever (usually lasting 3-5 days), body aches, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion 2, 3
- Symptoms typically improve gradually over 5-7 days, though cough and fatigue may persist for 1-2 weeks 2
- The patient is contagious from 1 day before symptoms start until approximately 5-7 days after becoming sick 1
Home Care Recommendations
Provide supportive care:
- Ensure adequate rest and fluid intake 1
- Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches 2
- Isolate the patient from other household members when possible, especially those at high risk for complications 4
- Practice strict hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer 4
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or the elbow 4
When to Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation
Seek urgent medical care if the patient develops any of these warning signs:
Respiratory distress indicators:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing (≥30 breaths per minute in adults) 1, 5
- Chest pain or pressure 5
- Oxygen saturation below 92% if measured at home 5
- Blue or gray lips or face 1
Severe systemic symptoms:
- Persistent high fever beyond 5 days or fever that improves then returns 5
- Confusion, altered mental status, or difficulty waking 1, 5
- Severe dizziness or inability to stand 5
- Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake 1
- Seizures 1
Signs of clinical deterioration:
- Symptoms that initially improve but then worsen after 3-5 days (suggesting possible bacterial pneumonia) 1, 5
- Failure to improve after 5-7 days of illness 5
- New productive cough with colored sputum after initial improvement 5
Special Considerations for High-Risk Patients
Contact the physician promptly if the patient has any of these high-risk conditions, as they may benefit from antiviral treatment even if symptoms are mild:
- Age 65 years or older or children under 2 years 1, 6
- Pregnancy 1, 6
- Chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD), heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes 1, 6
- Weakened immune system (cancer treatment, HIV, immunosuppressive medications) 1, 6
- Neurological conditions that affect breathing 6
Preventing Spread to Others
Household members should:
- Avoid close contact with the ill person when possible 4
- Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces 4
- Consider wearing masks when providing direct care 4
- Ensure all household members receive annual influenza vaccination 4, 2
- High-risk household contacts may benefit from antiviral prophylaxis—discuss with their physician 6, 7
Follow-Up Care
Schedule follow-up if: