Home Care

To help you feel better:

• Rest when you need to.
• If you have a fever, soak in a cool or lukewarm bath.

Diet

If you have an upset stomach, it may make it harder to get enough fluids or food. Try doing these:

• Eat smaller meals spread throughout the day.
• Soup is a great choice for mealtime.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Drink mainly water and unsweetened fruit juice.

Physical Activity

You may have to stay away from certain activities until you feel better. Slowly return to normal as you feel able.

• Ask your doctor when you will be able to return to work.
• Don't drive unless your doctor says it's okay to do so.

Medications

Some medicines will ease fever or body aches. Your doctor may advise taking acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Note: Aspirin can cause serious health problems in some children with certain infections. Don’t give your child any aspirin or aspirin-containing products until you talk to their doctor first.

If you are taking medicines:

• Take the medicine as directed. Don’t change the amount or the schedule.
• Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.
• Medicines can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medicine. This includes over-the-counter products and supplements.

Prevention

To help lower the chances of mosquito bites:

• Try not to be outdoors at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when outdoors.
• Use an insect repellent with DEET.
• Fix screens to keep mosquitoes from coming into your house.
• Remove any standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. This includes water in bird baths or clogged gutters.

Mosquitoes get West Nile virus by biting birds that have it. If you see a dead bird, call the public health department. Don't touch the dead bird unless you are wearing gloves that can be used once and thrown away.