Hello XXXXXXX,
You don't necessarily have to have a high fever with the flu. The flu (seasonal or H1N1) typically causes body aches, sore throat, fever, cough, nasal congestion, chills and fatigue.
Sometimes the H1N1 flu will also cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also.
A person with the flu may not exhibit all of these symptoms. Many viral infections have similar symptoms. Your husband may have a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection.
Most viral infections (even the flu) will clear on their own. He needs plenty of rest, (if he does have the flu, no need to spread it around. Best to stay home in bed, since he will get well faster this way anyway). Clear liquids are good: water, tea, (herbal or green), diluted fruit juice. Chicken soup (made at home is best with lots of vegies; store-bought chicken vegetable is OK as long as it is low sodium) actually works to clear congestion in the head. Citrus fruits and juices for the Vit C content.
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for body aches/sore throat/headahe. If he develops a cough Robitussion (plain) or Mucinex expectorants work best. Only use the DM version if he needs to suppress cough to sleep; otherwise he should not try to suppress the cough. Salt water gargles relieve throat pain temporarily and clear the throat of mucous secretions: use 1 tsp salt in 1 cup very warm water and use as often as needed.
He should see a doctor for the following:
Nurse (RN)
35+ yrs skilled nursing experience; Dir of Nursing Skilled Nursing/Rehab; Elder Care Consultant
It's possible he has H1N1 flu. But just as possible that he has a cold virus also. Either way the self-care at home treatment is the same. And unless he has a chronic medical condition involving his lungs (like asthma or emphysema), or something that will compromise his immune system (like treatment for rheumatoid arthritis; or chemotherapy for cancer)---most likely the course of a flu virus will be mild to moderate. Which means he doesn't necessarily need treatment.
If you are very concerned about the possibility of his having H1N1, and you feel he might be at risk for developing complications you should call (do not go in) his doctor's office to find out some things:
Antiviral medications (Tamiflu or Relenza) can make a case of the flu lighter and shorter. Some areas are reserving this treatment for individuals at risk for developing complications. That's why I advise calling the doctor's office first. No sense going there, and possibly being exposed to illnesses unless his doctor will prescribe treatment.