The United States authority on disease prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that persons suffering from influenza infections:

* Stay at home
* Get plenty of rest
* Drink a lot of liquids
* Do not smoke or drink alcohol
* Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms
* Consult a doctor early on for best possible treatment
* Remain alert for emergency warning signs[2]

Warning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

In children other warning signs include irritability, failing to wake up and interact, rapid breathing, and a blueish skin color. Another warning sign in children is if the flu symptoms appear to resolve, but then reappear with fever and a bad cough.[2]