• Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart
• Symptoms may include sudden sharp chest pain behind the breastbone which may radiate to the back
• Cause may be due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in males
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age to elderly
• May be mild to severe depending on cause
• Can be life threatening

Rest

Eat small, frequent meals

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke

Wash hands frequently

Stay at home in your bedroom

Wear a surgical mask when talking to others and have them wear one as well

FOR COUGH

Increase fluids (especially water)

Suck on cough drops or hard sweets (candy)

Use a cool air humidifier in room

Avoid lung irritants such as smoke, household cleaners or allergens

Over-the-counter cough medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

Guaifenesin

Dextromethorphan

FOR FEVER

Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits

Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)

Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration

Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

Acetaminophen

Ibuprofen

FOR NAUSEA

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (avoid drinks high in sugar)

Eat light, bland foods (crackers or plain bread)

Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods

Eat slowly and eat smaller, more frequent meals

Do not mix hot and cold foods

Avoid activity after eating

Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

Diphenhydramine

Cyclizine

Dimenhydrinate

Meclizine