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The best treatment for a common cold or flu is to rest, stay hydrated and wait it out.

Some at home options to make the recovery process more comfortable are:

• Steam or use a cool mist humidifier
• Increase fluid intake (warm liquids can help sooth a sore throat)
• OTC Medications (per label instruction)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any associated muscle aches and/or fever
  • Decongestants/Expectorants to aid with any congestion
  • Cough suppressants/Lozenges

Seek medical attention if you have: worsening symptoms, or symptoms that fail to improve, fever (greater than 101掳F) for more than 2-3 days, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, ear pain or painful neck swelling

• Avoid consuming any food or beverage during times of active vomiting.
• Once an hour has passed without vomiting, begin reintroducing liquids to your system with small, slow sips of water, increasing in amount and frequency over time.
• If gradually increasing fluid intake does not cause additional GI upset, continue to advance your diet from liquids to soft foods and eventually back to solid food as tolerated. (If any nausea, vomiting or diarrhea recurs at any time, begin the process again slowly once vomiting stops.)
• Avoid: dairy, spicy foods, excessively sugary food or drinks, fried/greasy
• Monitor for any signs of dehydration
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Weakness/Light-headedness
  • Decreased urine output

Seek medical attention if you have: any of the above symptoms of dehydration, vomiting that lasts longer than 2 days, change in mental alertness. Seek emergent attention if you experience large amounts of blood or coffee ground emesis.

• Saltwater gargle (repeat every 2-3 hours as tolerated for best results)
• Cough drops/Sore throat lozenges
• Steam or use a cool mist humidifier
• Increase fluid intake as tolerated. (warm liquids can help sooth a sore throat, avoid anything excessively hot in temperature)
• OTC Pain Medications (per label instructions) to reduce inflammation, swelling and soreness.
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Seek medical attention if you have: an associated fever (over 101掳F) lasting longer than 1-2 days, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or sleeping related to tonsil or throat swelling, worsening throat pain that becomes more severe or lasts for several days or a generalized rash on your body.

Seek immediate medical attention for any wound that is: large/deep, bleeding heavily, has dirt/debris or was caused by a human or animal.

Most minor cuts and abrasions can be cared for using first aid without the help of a medical professional.

• Cleanliness is key, be sure to start this process with clean hands.
• The site of the cut/abrasion should be cleaned and prepared for treatment, after the area has been cleansed, blot it dry with a clean towel.
  • Use cool water to rinse the area (Other solutions such as rubbing alcohol, peroxide and iodine should be avoided unless instructed by medical provider, as they can irritate the wound)
• Minor cuts and abrasions usually stop bleeding on their own, but a clean cloth can be used as needed to apply gentle pressure to the area until bleeding stops.
• Once the wound is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (or petroleum jelly) to keep the area moisturized.
• Cover/dress the wound with a bandage or gauze and tape to keep it clean.
  • Bandage should be changed when wet or visibly dirty/soiled
  • Avoid using anything with excessive fibers (cotton balls, wool cloth) on the affected area as the fibers can get stuck in the wound and cause an infection)
• Monitor the site for signs and symptoms of infection and follow up with a medical professional immediately if any of the following are present: excessive redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, new/increasing pain, or foul odor

Seek medical attention if: you notice any of the symptoms of infection mentioned above or if you are unsure of your current tetanus immunization status, as you might require a booster.

Anyone experiencing signs of an anaphylactic reaction (rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing/wheezing, flushed skin, pale or blue skin coloring, and rapid weak pulse) should call 911/ seek emergency care immediately.

An insect sting will usually be swollen at the site and can be quite painful. There are a couple steps that can be taken to relieve some of the pain.

• Remove stinger as quickly as possible
  • A blunt object like a credit card or ID can be gently scraped across the affected area to help remove the stinger, it is advised to avoid tweezers as they can squeeze the stinger鈥檚 venom sack and make symptoms worse)
• Wash site well and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling
• Avoid scratching the area, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can be applied topically to relieve the itching sensation.
• An antihistamine can be taken orally (per label instructions) or a topical version may also be applied to help alleviate itching and swelling

Seek medical attention if you experience: dizziness, trouble breathing or swallowing, substantial swelling beyond the site of the sting (eyes, tongue, face, lips, throat), or if you were stung more than 5 times.

If you are having persistent severe headaches with sudden onset, or that are accompanied by changes in speech or vision, nausea/vomiting, stiff neck, numbness, or alterations in consciousness, or if headache is the result of a head injury or trauma, seek immediate emergency care.

• If no trauma to the head, lying down in a dark, quiet area for 30-40 minutes can help to minimize external stimulus
• Place a cool cloth/compress on your forehead or neck
• OTC Pain Medications (per label instructions) to reduce pain
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Seek medical attention if: your headache feels like it鈥檚 the worst headache you鈥檝e ever had, if you lose vision or consciousness, you develop uncontrollable vomiting, you experience confusion or trouble understanding speech or if your headache lasts for longer than 72 hours.