Pravdaogrippethe cold-and-flu season without panic: a guide to flu and colds

An independent guide to flu and colds. It does not replace a doctor, does not diagnose, and does not prescribe or evaluate medicines; it has no connection with the former site on this domain. In an emergency, call 112 in Russia (or your local emergency number).

Home care

Caring for someone at home

When someone at home falls ill, it is tempting to do something drastic straight away. But the most valuable things family members can do are usually very simple: let the person rest, make sure they drink, air the room, protect everyone else from infection and keep a careful eye on how they are doing.

Good home care is a bit like being on duty: less fuss, more attention and a readiness to call the doctor in time.

— Editor's note

How this section works: we describe only everyday care: rest, fluids, fresh air, hygiene and keeping an eye on symptoms. There are no medicines, home remedies or treatment plans here. For mild illness, WHO advises staying at home, resting and drinking plenty of fluids; how to bring a temperature down and what treatment to use is for a doctor to decide.

Rest and fluids

The body needs strength to fight off an infection. Rest and fluids are the basics, and WHO says so too.

Rest

Bed rest, or at least a quiet day at home, with peace and sleep. Work, cleaning and household chores are best handed over to others for these days. Return to your usual routine gradually.

Prevention

Fluids

Keep water or a warm drink by the bed and remind the person to drink little and often. If they are hardly drinking at all, let a doctor know, especially if it is a child or an older relative.

Ask a doctor

Air, dishes and towels

The virus spreads easily through coughs and via hands, so it helps to keep the ill person's things a little apart from the rest of the household's.

Fresh air

Air the room several times a day; meanwhile, the person who is ill can wrap up warm or move to another room. Fresh air makes the room more pleasant and reduces the build-up of virus in the air.

Prevention

Their own cup, plate and towel

Give the person who is ill their own mug, plate and towel and wash them separately. If possible, let them rest in a room of their own, with others popping in only briefly.

Topics

For the person doing the caring

Looking after someone who is ill without falling ill yourself takes a few simple rules.

Clean hands

Wash your hands after every visit to the person who is ill, after clearing away their dishes or tissues, and before eating. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth until you have washed your hands.

Prevention

Keeping an eye on symptoms

Note down how the person's temperature changes and how they are breathing, drinking and talking. These notes will help the doctor, and help you notice a warning sign in time.

Ask a doctor

Who should discuss care with a doctor straight away

  • Pregnant women
  • Children under five and their parents
  • People over 65
  • People with chronic conditions or weakened immunity
  • Anyone whose illness is more severe than usual or is dragging on
  • Topics

    Flu, other respiratory viruses, lingering coughs, the flu season and risk groups, topic by topic, plus our article catalogue.

  • Prevention

    How to get your home and family ready for flu season: talking about the flu jab, hygiene and a plan in case of illness.

  • Ask a doctor

    What to ask your doctor about the flu jab, illness at home, children, older relatives and long-term conditions.

  • Research

    How to read flu news and bold promises about “miracle remedies” without losing your calm or your common sense.

Sources

  • WHO — Influenza (seasonal) fact sheet
  • Russian health authorities and the health authority of your country — general recommendations

This page is based on general information about seasonal flu available at the time of writing. Advice is updated every season, so check with your doctor what is right for you and your family.