OK, what do you say?.

[oramar]

I get an email from my nephew's wife. She is a middle school teacher, the district she teaches in has been back at school 10 days. The email says quote, "OMG, I have such a sore throat, I never felt anything like this in my life". OK, I have some idea what to say to people on these boards about that, I even would be comfortable giving advice to immediate family. However, what do I say to someone that is not a close relative that does not sound alarmist and will not make a person hysterical? Thank goodness she is not pregnant, she is about the only person in the family between the ages of 22 and 32(and female) who is not pregnant. The only thing I can think to say is, if you get any other alarming symptoms call your doctor. Do school districts have a resident health care professional that sees teachers?

[Girl Scout]

I would just tell her just to be on the safe side, stay at home, stay in bed, rest (ie, regular flu home protocol) and in the mean time, call her family doctor's office and speak to their nurse and ask them: here's what I'm feeling, what do you think, should I stay at home, should I go back to work, should I come in and get checked out?

[Katnip, RN]

I agree with Girl Scout. It's generic advice for any type of flu, that you could give to anyone. Rest, fluids, social isolation, and whatever OTC pain reliever. If it worsens or they are worried, call doc.