Medical & Health

Symptoms and Treatment of Influenza ‘Flu’

The flu is an easily spread infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, caused by an influenza virus. The flu spreads easily.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms usually begin quickly. The first symptom is a fever followed by other common symptoms which include: body aches, chills, dizziness, flushed face, headache, lack of energy, nausea and vomiting.

Between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the fever and aches and pains begin to go away. But new symptoms occur, including: dry cough, increased breathing symptoms, runny nose (clear and watery), sneezing, sore throat.

These symptoms (except the cough) usually go away in 4 - 7 days. Sometimes, the fever returns. The cough and feeling tired may last for weeks. Some people may not feel like eating.

Treatment - Most people do not need to see a doctor or nurse when they have flu symptoms. However, you should call a doctor if your symptoms are very bad.

How do I treat my symptoms?

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol/Panadol) and ibuprofen (Nurofen/Brufen) help lower fever. Do not take more than the recommended dose. You also need a lot of rest. Drink plenty of liquids.

Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Prevention- You can take steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu.

Stay at home for at least 24 hours after any fever is gone. Avoid sharing food, utensils, cups, or bottles. Cover your cough with a tissue and throw away after use. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Use it often during the day and always after touching your face. Cough into your sleeve if a tissue is not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Important Health Information for Rugby Players!

Unfortunately once again this season there are an increasing number of wound infection cases in the rugby community. This is not being caused by any particular pitch, it is primarily something that can best be dealt with by each individual taking better care of their cuts and grazes.

There are guidelines about wound care below but the key message is to wash any wound thoroughly, never play or train with an open wound, don’t share towels/shirts/etc, and if you think you’ve got a problem have it examined by a doctor!

Please observe the following sensible precautions:

DO NOT play or train with open wounds, cover them up or take a rest

If you sustain a wound, clean thoroughly and dress it

Take your team 1st aid kit to games and training

DO NOT share towels, shirts, etc

If you have a wound which is not healing or it looks particularly nasty, don’t wait, see a Doctor!

Useful information for download

Emergency Hospital Treatment Guidelines for Hong Kong Rugby Players:

When and How to call an Ambulance:

List of Government Hospitals with Accident & Emergency Departments in Hong Kong:

Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2):

Wound Care:

Gum Shields:

All players in local Hong Kong Rugby leagues must wear gum shields. Referees are instructed to check every player for Gum Shields before the match may commence.

For Gum Shield fitting, please download the following document:

MRSA Information for Athletes:

http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/groups/advice-for-athletes.html

CHP has a version for Hong Kong as well:

http://www.chp.gov.hk/content.asp?lang=en&info_id=5392&id=24&pid=9