1. Medical Services
  2. Provided Medical Services
  3. Caring for Illnesses

Caring for Illnesses

Respiratory

Most respiratory viruses (i.e., cold, influenza, or COVID-19), while uncomfortable, are mild or moderate in severity and do not require treatment. Viral illnesses are not treated with antibiotics.

Mild to moderate symptoms can be self-managed by doing the following:

  • Stay home except to access medical care. Do not visit public area or go places where you are unable to wear a mask. If experiencing COVID-like symptoms, follow .
  • Get rest and stay hydrated. A humidifier, throat lozenges and saltwater rinses may help.
  • Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen. Ask a pharmacist to suggest medications based on symptoms.

Seek emergency medical care if experiencing any of the following:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Cold vs Flu vs COVID-19

Cold vs Flu vs COVID-19
Symptom COVID-19 Cold Flu (Influenza)
Fever Common Rare Common
Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes Common
Cough Common Rare Common
Sneezing No Common No
Aches and pains Sometimes Common Common
Runny and stuffy nose Rare Common Sometimes
Sore throat Sometimes Common Sometimes
Diarrhea Rare No Sometimes
Headaches Sometimes Rare Common
Shortness of breath Sometimes No No

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, caused by irritation and information in the stomach and intestines, can lead to fever, stomach pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most get better with no specific treatment.

Mild to moderate symptoms can be self-managed by doing the following:

  • Stay hydrated. Take small and frequent sips of water, clear broths, decaffeinated tea, diluted sports drinks, etc.
  • Get plenty of rest as this illness may leave you feeling weak and tired.
  • Let your stomach settle. Avoid eating solid food when feeling unwell.
  • Ease back into foods. Start with bland & easy-to-digest foods first (e.g., soda crackers, soup, bananas and rice). Stop eating if nausea returns.
  • Avoid certain foods and substances until feeling better (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, dairy, high fat and spicy foods)

Seek medical care if experiencing any of the following:

  • Blood or pus in your stool (poop)
  • High fever (i.e., above 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C)), it lasts longer than 5 days and/or stays high even after you鈥檝e taken over-the-counter medication (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Symptoms of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, deep yellow urine (pee) or little or no urine)
  • Have recently travelled
  • Are immuno-compromised from medications or medical conditions

Prevent spreading this to others by doing the following:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water thoroughly after using the toilet, contact with animals, and before preparing or eating food.
  • Do not share towels, washcloths, or utensils with someone who is ill. Wash these separately, using hot water.
  • Stay home when sick (i.e., for 24-48 hours after symptoms stop).