RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Flu Season’

9 Things You Can Do to Avoid the Flu

23 Aug



The Center for Disease Control estimates 10-20% of Americans get the flu during flu season. The flu is a virus. Some viruses can live anywhere from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like doorknobs, computer keyboards, phones, money, desks and cafeteria tables. You can pick up these viruses by simply touching those surfaces with your hands. The tops and palms of your hands can contain hundreds to thousands of germs, particularly under and around fingernails, where even thorough hand-washing fails to adequately reach. Adults touch their faces more than 15 times per hour (children many times more!). Every time you touch a virus-infested surface and then touch your own eyes, nose or mouth, you have successfully auto-inoculated yourself with that virus!

If I have sufficiently grossed you out, I want to share some common sense strategies to protect yourself and your family from any virus – including this swine flu virus that we are hearing so much about. First of all, as believers we are commanded throughout scripture to resist fear. Fear is extremely destructive! This is more critical than perhaps you realize.

Your emotional state powerfully affects how your body responds to a virus. If you are feeling toxic, negative emotions stemming from fear, peptides will flood the surface of your cells and change the receptors making the cells more permeable. Any virus that happens to be sitting on the outside of the cell can then easily slip in making you sick. There are two different types of emotions: positive faith-based emotions and negative fear-based emotions. Each has its own set of emotional molecules attached to it. Faith and fear are not just emotions. They are spiritual forces that cause chemical and electrical reactions in the body, directly impacting bodily function and health.

Fear alone can create the conditions in your body that cause you to “catch” the flu or any other virus by weakening your immune system at the cellular level! Obviously, God knew this and He graciously provided 365 verses in the Bible that tell us “do not fear” or “fear not.”

Now, let’s get down to the other specific strategies. These are the common sense things you can (and should!) do all year-round, not just during flu season:
1) Get adequate sleep and rest daily. Research shows people who get adequate sleep are 550% less likely to contract a virus!
2) Avoid all processed foods and particularly refined sugars as sugar is known to depress the immune system. Focus on fresh, organic produce, clean protein and whole grains. Keeping your inner environment alkaline will enable your body to successfully fight off any nasty invaders you may encounter.
3) Stay adequately hydrated – drink enough water daily. The basic minimum formula is one-half your body weight in ounces daily. If you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages or you perspire heavily, you must increase this amount.
4) Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly throughout the day. Practice good hygiene including not sharing cups, bottles, utensils, covering your mouth, etc.
5) Practice stress-management daily – prayer, meditation, faith confessions, deep breathing – whatever works for you.
6) Avoid saturating yourself with fear messages. For me, that means, severely limiting the time I spend watching or listening to the “news.” You would be surprised how powerfully those negative messages impact your health.
7) Have your vitamin D3 levels checked and make sure they are at an optimum level. Supplement with vitamin D3 daily and up your intake when you feel a cold or any viral infection trying to take hold.
8) There are some very good natural supplements you can use, in addition to the vitamin D3 to keep your immune system working efficiently and also when you feel a cold or flu coming on.
9) Try hydrotherapy in your daily shower. Simply switch from warm/hot water which dilates blood vessels, improves circulation and speeds elimination of toxins to cool/cold water which stimulates the body and increases oxygen use in the cells. Just be careful not to make the switch too drastic or shocking to your system.

Don’t panic. There are simple, basic keys to staying healthy. Use wisdom and common sense and you and your family can avoid falling prey to swine flu or any virus that happens to be going around.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Daycare Flu Season Tips – 5 Rules to Keeping the Kids Clean

26 Mar



The leaves are changing colours and the clouds have become heavier and darker with the threat of snow. Autumn is has arrived and it has brought with it the flu. Flu season is dreaded enough for adults, but when you work in a daycare it is even more of a threat. There are five simple rules to remember to keep that flu bug at bay.

RULE #1 – Wash Hands Often

It seems simple and obvious, but this little step can really make a difference. Provide child-friendly disinfectant rub for when they enter the daycare. Use a child-friendly tinted soap before and after they eat. Children will like the tint and you will be able to see the tinted bubbles showing that their whole hand has been washed.

RULE #2 – Send home children that have high fever

Be firm with this rule. Although, it will be inconvenient for parents to leave work to take their children home, it will help contain the spread of the illness and will allow the child to get the rest they need to get better soon.

RULE #3 – Have a disinfect bin to wash toys that have been in children’s mouths

What goes in a child’s mouth must go in the sink. Having a bin in the playroom that you and the older children can plunk dirty toys in will help cut down on the germs. Wash plastic toys in a dishwasher or in a disinfectant dish soap.

RULE #4 – Hire a Cleaning Service to Disinfect Your Daycare Area and Home

In addition to the regular disinfecting you will be doing, you will find that having a cleaning service come in once a week will prove to be invaluable. The bonus is that it gives you a break too.

RULE #5 – BE A CONSCIENTIOUS DIAPER CHANGER

Did you know that a lot of bacteria is spread through bowel movements? There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and the other children from these germs. A) Wear gloves when you do every change B) Use a clean towel or changing blanket for each new change C) Keep all childrens’ diapers, creams, and wipes separate.

You will likely not get through the season without at least one of your children getting sick; that you cannot control. But you can control the cleanliness of your own space and your children and parents will thank you for it.

Incoming search terms for the article:

flu tips and kids
 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu

09 Feb



With the recent World Health Organization’s warnings about H1N1 or Swine Flu, what can you do to protect yourself this flu season?

o Get plenty of rest every night. Most people require at least 8 hours of good uninterrupted sleep every night. If you do not get enough sleep, your body starts to get worn down and you become susceptible to viruses.

o Exercise regularly. Getting enough exercise is important to your health. You do not have to do intense gut busting workouts, just get out for a walk every day for 30 minutes or more and walk briskly. You will just feel better with more energy if you can incorporate this routine into you daily life.

o Eat regularly and eat healthy foods. If you do not know what “healthy” means, look up the Government Food Pyramid website. They have suggested food pyramid servings and foods that are good for you. You can plan menus, prepare shopping lists and change your diet easily there.

o Wash your hands. This is very important because viruses can live on your skin for up to 24 hours. Wash your hands with warm soapy water for about 40 seconds and use a disposable paper towel or hand dryer to dry them thoroughly.

o Get vaccinated. This does not always protect you 100% against contracting the flu, but it will definitely help you to avoid coming down with the flu.

o Avoid stress. Stress helps to make you feel run down, prevents you from getting adequate sleep and causes all kinds of illness. Find ways to relax every day and reduce your stress.

o Take vitamins every day. Vitamin C, Omega 3 Oils and Vitamin D as well as a multivitamin will go a long way to boosting your immune system.

o If you sneeze or cough, do it into the crook of your arm, not your hand. Immediately wash your hands afterward. Try to avoid touching your face with your hands because you can get infected with a virus through your eyes, nose and mouth.

o If you are sick or not feeling well, stay home. You are not being a hero by going to work, you are only spreading the illness or virus and making other people sick. Rest at home, drink plenty of liquids and sleep. Some employers have even taken the drastic step to advise employees that if they show up to work sick they will be fired.

Prevention is the best tool against contracting a flu virus. Follow these tips to lessen your chances of becoming sick.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Don’t Let Old Man Winter Sneak up on You – Learn How to be Prepared

27 Jul



Life can get pretty busy, but Winter is fast approaching and that first snowfall can come as quite a surprise, especially if you are not prepared for it. Don’t let yourself get caught off-guard. Follow these tips and be prepared.

Winterize your health. Winter is flu season. To give yourself the best chances of avoiding the flu this Winter, now is the time to get a flu shot. While you are at it, why not get a complete physical? Talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay healthy this Winter. Prevention is the best medicine.

If you are looking for a more natural approach to avoiding the flu this Winter, studies have shown that green tea, garlic (available as a pill) and vitamin C are great, natural ways to help prevent the flu. So start treating your body right and stay healthy.

Winterize your home. There are many things you can do to get your home prepared for the cold and snow that accompany winter.

Put away or secure and cover all of your outside furniture. Put away your lawn mower and get out the snow blower or shovels. Make sure they are easy to access for that first snowfall. If you use a snow blower, make sure that it is in good working order. Clean out your gutters. Be sure they are free from leaves and debris which would prevent proper drainage and could result in water damage to your home. Have your sprinkler system blown out to ensure that there is no water left in the lines which could freeze and cause the pipes to burst. Be sure that all storm windows are in place. Check the caulking around all windows and doors. If any is cracked or loose, replace it to prevent drafts. Change your furnace filter and consider having your furnace serviced to be sure it is in good working order. Program your thermostat to keep your home warm enough without wasting energy.
Winterize your vehicle. When you are getting ready for Winter, don’t forget about your vehicle. Here are some things you can do to make sure your vehicle is prepared:

Check your tires. Make sure they have the proper amount of air and that they have enough tread left on them to get enough traction on snow-covered streets. Have your battery checked. Batteries are more likely to fail in the Winter. If you need a new one it is better to know ahead of time. Check to be sure your windshield washer solvent is full and that you have some extra bottles on hand. With slush splattering all over your windshield you can really go through a lot of washer solvent in the Winter. Check your windshield wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Be sure that your vehicle is stocked with snow scrapers and brushes. You may even want to store a small shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter in the trunk in case you get stuck in the snow.
Winterize your cabinets. Just before Thanksgiving canned goods are typically on sale. Check your local grocery store for good prices and stock up on canned goods and other non-perishable items. If a storm hits unexpectedly you be sure to have enough food to eat until you can make it back out to the store.

Winterize your wardrobe. As with every change in season, now is the time to go through your closets. Make sure your winter coats are easily accessible. Locate all hats, gloves, scarves and boots and move them to the front of the closet. Rearrange your clothes closet to make your warmer clothes easier to access. While you are doing all of this, it is the perfect time to clear out some clutter. If you come across any items that you have not worn bag them up for a charity donation.

Winterize your attitude. Don’t let yourself catch a case of cabin fever. Many people take a trip to a tropical location to get away from the cold and the snow. If this is not a possibility for you, you know what they say – if you can’t beat them, join them. Try to embrace the season. Get out there and have some fun! If you have never been downhill skiing, give it a try. Try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or sledding. Make a snowman or a snow angel, have a snowball fight or just sit on your couch, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping a cup of hot cocoa and looking out the window at the beauty of the snow-covered trees.

Have a safe and happy winter.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Swine Flu Prevention in Moultrie and Colquitt County – Optimize Your Immune System

19 Mar



The City of Moultrie, located in Colquitt County, in SW Georgia, recently received it’s first case of the H1N1 virus; better known as Swine Flu. Needless to say, there is understandable concern in this growingl agricultural community. With many families living within close proximity to one another, the threat of an infection spreading amongst family members and the public at large is real.

Coupled with this, school resumes on August 17, 2009, with thousands of children and young adults facing potential exposure to an uncertain flu season. What’s a parent, or, anyone else for that matter, to do?

Among the heavily publicized preventive measures that everyone should take are:
Washing your hands Covering your mouth when coughing Avoiding people who are ill
A Healthy Immune System is the Cornerstone of Disease Prevention

An approached that is often completely overlooked and rarely talked about, yet, is critical in your prevention efforts and is usually within the control of every citizen in the county; is making sure that you have a healthy immune system; particularly is the vital for children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory problem conditions.

With more and more respected doctors and scientists coming to the conclusion that an optimized immune system is the cornerstone of good health and disease prevention, it’s important that everyone, whether at risk for H1N1, or not; to take steps now to improve their bodies natural and unique defenses. Simply put, a properly functioning immune system will enable the body to mount a stronger resistance to the Swine Flu.

How Your Immune Response Can Be Optimized

Well, years ago this might have been a challenge as there was no one clear-cut way that was proven to actually directly impact the immune system. Today, however, that has changed.

Thanks to extensive research by such renown experts like Drs. Gustavo Bountous, the “Father of the Elemental diet,” immunologist, Patrician Kongshavn, scientists, and glutathione expert, Dr. Jimmy Gutman, people all over the North American continent can now take that ‘action step’ to optimize the immune response. How, by simply raising the body’s natural glutathione levels.

How To Naturally Raise Your Glutathione Levels to Optimize Your Immune System

There are drugs that raise glutathione, however they all produce size effects, and are not recommended for long-term use. One of the more commonly available and potent glutathione precursor, is NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine). It is a standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose. But, it has two common problems:
Carries a certain toxicity Has rapid peaks and declines in within hours The first problem with NAC is obvious; TOXICITY. None of us wants to add more toxicity to our bodies; as we are already being bombarded with toxins from our polluted environment. Secondly, since NAC has, what is termed, “a short half-life,” due to it decline within hours, maintaining elevated levels of glutathione requires usage several times a day; and that is very hard on the body.

Fortunately, there is a better way. For the first time, there is a natural, safe, clinically-proven way to raise and sustain elevated glutathione levels using a bioactive whey protein. But, this is not just any whey protein, like the kind you can purchase from your local health food store. No, this special undenatured bioactive whey protein has several impressive credentials. Note the following:
75 – Method-Of-Use Global Patents 13 – Number of years in practical use 34 – Number of PUBLISHED medical articles 35 – Number of years of scientific research So, if you live in Moultrie, or, Colquitt County, Georgia, or, anywhere else for that matter, and you want to take preventive measures to reduce your chances of getting the Swine Flu; then you need to take an ‘action step’ right now in behalf of your own health, by raising your glutathione levels. If you want to do that naturally, this special bio-available whey protein comes highly recommended.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

This Flu Season, Don’t Mess Around with Strep Throat

17 Dec



Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes (strep) Group A bacteria. You see it more in children than in adults, but adults do get it sometimes. This flu season may turn out to be one of the worst seasons for strep throat.

With strep throat, you’ll see a fever and sore throat pain, usually with a headache (but not always) and sometimes a stomach ache. There might be swollen, tender glands in the neck, or sores around the nose. You might also see a loss in appetite and tired looking eyes.

Scarlet fever is actually strep combined with a rash, and there is also the sore throat along with some general symptoms, such as fatigue, and a red rash and skin blotches on the body (that feel like a rough sandpaper). If left untreated for one to two weeks, it can turn into rheumatic fever.

We normally encourage natural cures, such as oil of oregano, orange juice, vitamin C, colloidal silver, pau d’ arco, garlic, and other types of natural cures you can find at the health food store. However, this flu season I did some checking around and found that (according to the opinion of my source) this latest strep is more severe and can hit a person really quickly… and that antibiotics are necessary in this instance.

This week my son got a sore throat one night. We just thought it was a cold… although his tongue was white and had a texture like a strawberry. We got him taking vitamin C and garlic caps. The next day his eyes looked really tired, he was lethargic and he had bumps on his chest and stomach. We thought the bumps were from laying directly on the carpet (that’s what it looked like).

We decided to take him to the doctor and the doctor swabbed his throat and the results came back as strep and his rash was scarlet fever. Just the mention of scarlet fever made us cringe, then the doctor said it just means a combination of strep throat and rash. My son is allergic to penicillin, so the doctor prescribed Erythromycin. My son took his first dose and within about 6 hours, most of the rash was gone and he was feeling lots better.

I heard it’s common for the strep symptoms to be relieved very quickly when first taking the antibiotics, although it’s very important to finish the entire course of antibiotics that the doctor prescribes. If the doctor wants you to take the antibiotics for 10 days, even if you feel better after a day or two, don’t stop the antibiotics. Keep taking them, and finish them according to the doctor’s instructions.

Although we like to recommend the natural cures, this is the one season that if a person gets these strep symptoms they should see the doctor soon. If antibiotics are recommended, get them and take them all. You’ll get very fast relief with antibiotics even as soon as a half day, and you’ll minimize the risk of scarlet fever and rheumatic fever.

Copyright 2005. This information is not to meant replace medical advice. If you feel sick or have other related symptoms, see your doctor or other medical professional.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Fighting Flu Symptoms and Ways to Protect Yourself This Flu Season

07 Nov



It is far easier to prevent the flu than it is to treat the symptoms. Basic hand washing and common sense can prevent many cases of both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. There are vaccines available for both flu varieties and there are other steps individuals can take to both avoid getting the flu in the first place and then to significantly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, once infection occurs.

Cleanliness, avoidance of those who are ill and physical barriers can protect your body from becoming infected. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a good body weight can all work to provide better immune support. Vitamins, minerals and other supplements can also help build immune support. Since the only way to guarantee that you won’t become infected with either flu virus is to live the life of a hermit, you are far better off to practice basic hygiene, build strong immune support, and know how to treat the flu if you should become infected.

Physical Barriers To Use When Fighting Flu

Physical barriers, such as surgical masks, disposable gloves, safety glasses and goggles, and, in extreme cases, respirators, can all prevent the flu virus from entering the body. When the H1N1 flu virus was first identified and made public, nations hardest hit implemented the use of masks and gloves to prevent the spread of the disease.

Once the H1N1 virus was publicized, schools, bus stations, train depots, and airports were closed. Since the flu virus is spread from person to person through particles in the air and on surfaces, creating physical barriers and avoiding contact with others can be very effective. These high traffic areas were then disinfected to kill any lingering viruses. Viruses can be destroyed with direct sunlight, detergents, and disinfectants. Disinfecting your home, car, school, and work place are important preventative measures one should take during the flu season.

Most People Can Use Vaccines To Help Fight Flu Viruses

Flu shots and nasal spray vaccinations are excellent preventative measures against both varieties of flu. Flu shots are made using killed flu viruses, whereas the nasal sprays use live, weakened viruses. Pregnant women should not use the nasal spray. Flu vaccines should be used by children aged two to five and their caregivers, adults over the age of 65, healthcare providers, and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Flu vaccines should not by used by individuals who are allergic to chicken eggs or other vaccine ingredients. Flu shots should also not be used by individuals who have had adverse reactions to flu vaccines in the past. Individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome should also not use the flu vaccine.

Good Hygiene Helps To Prevent Contracting Flu Viruses

Hand washing is, by far, the best prevention when fighting flu season. Hands should be washed frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. Since viruses can live for hours on countless surfaces, you never know where they might be. Hand sanitizers are also effective at fighting flu viruses. Other preventative measures to practice when fighting flu include:

a. Avoid people who appear ill.

b. Use a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

c. Disinfect your home, car, school, and workplace.

d. Avoid crowded, public areas.

e. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with soap and water.

f. Avoid ordering fresh fruits and vegetables restaurants during flu season.

g. Drinks plenty of fresh, clean water.

h. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

i. Wipe down your pets with a damp towel after they have been outside.

Using Immune Support Products When Fighting Flu

Vitamin C and Zinc are both well-known immune support products. Without the proper tools, your body cannot protect itself. Recent scientific research has provided us with yet one more tool to use when fighting flu season: elderberry extract. Elderberry extract has been used for hundreds of years, both as food and medicine. Traditionally, elderberry extract has been used to make syrups, wine, cordials, marmalades, and many other tasty treats. It has also been used for its immune support properties to treat vision and respiratory problems.

At the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research, the results of research conducted at the prestigious University of Oslo were made public and published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine. This research into the effectiveness of elderberry extract demonstrated that products that contain elderberry extract prevent the influenza virus from attaching to host cells, thereby preventing infection.

In addition, the scientific research demonstrated that elderberry lozenges and other products containing elderberry extract have a profound effect on reducing the severity and duration of flu symptoms, once an individual is infected. Fighting flu means avoiding becoming infected in the first place with good hygiene, physical barriers, disinfectants, and the immune support provided by elderberry extract.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Flu Prevention and the Gym Member

19 Oct



Health officials’ warning this month of a potentially harsh flu season should be a red flag to avid aerobic-bunnies and gym-jocks alike. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warn that the flu is transmitted when flu virus in the air is inhaled after an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Transmission also occurs when a person touches a surface that has flu virus on it and then touches his or her nose or mouth. Those familiar with the typical health club milieu, then, can easily liken a workout in the gym to sitting in a veritable Petry dish…

Heavy-breathing members on closely-placed cardiovascular machines and in crowded group fitness classes, hundreds of kinds of shared equipment from dumbbells and weight plates to public restrooms and the corner water fountain provide countless opportunities for contact with the flu virus. So, short of ditching our fitness goals until mid-Spring, it would do us well to learn more about the flu, it’s prevention, and what we can do about it.

What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold; it usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

Fever Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Dry cough Sore Throat Nasal congestion Body aches

About 10% to 20% of U.S. residents will get the flu each year. Among these persons infected, an average of 36,000 will die, and 114,000 will be hospitalized. Although the CDC claims it is not possible to accurately predict the severity of the flu season, this year’s early incidence of Type A flu strain is historically associated with a more severe flu season, including higher numbers of related hospitalizations and deaths. To make the outlook more grim, an epidemiological assessment by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) already reports “widespread” influenza activity in over 10 U.S. states.

Who is at risk?

Although anyone can get the flu, including individuals who are healthy, there are various groups who are at higher risk for complications. These high risk groups include:

persons aged > 50 years; residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house persons of any age who have long-term illnesses; adults and children > 6 months of age who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma; adults and children > 6 months of age who need regular medical care or had to be in a hospital because of metabolic diseases (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicine or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]); children and teenagers (aged 6 months to 18 years) who are on long-term aspirin therapy and therefore could develop Reye Syndrome after the flu; and women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season.

How to Prevent Getting the Flu

Health officials are encouraging people, particularly those in high-risk groups to obtain a flu shot. The CDC states that an annual flu shot is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.

The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November, although you can still benefit from getting the vaccine after November, even if the flu is present in your community. Be aware that it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to provide protection.

Obtaining the vaccine does not guarantee a flu-free season, however. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and vaccine effectiveness depends on the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses and the age and health status of the person getting the shot. Although the strain in this year’s flu vaccine is different from the circulating strain, the CDC states that studies indicate that the vaccine should provide some cross-protection against the circulating A strain.

Some people resist getting the flu shot because of the belief that they will get severe side effects, or even the flu itself, from the vaccine. The viruses in the vaccine are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Certain side effects are possible, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever (low grade), and aches.

Chances that the shot will cause serious harm, or death, is very small and allergic reactions to the vaccine, though possible, are rare, states the CDC. Most people who get the vaccine have no serious problems with it. However, the following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor:

People with an allergy to hens’ eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past. People who have developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome in the 6 weeks following a flu shot.

Since obtaining vaccination doesn’t necessarily guarantee immunity against the flu, it is wise to add common sense to our prevention efforts while we are busy pumping iron at the health club. Old fashioned hand-hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent flu transmission. Although you don’t want to spend your entire workout running to the restroom to wash your hands after every set, it’s certainly advisable to make sure your hands are clean before and after the workout. Refrain from touching your nose and mouth during the workout to avoid obtaining the virus. Use of hand-antiseptics which include alcohol can also help to prevent transmission of the flu virus.

What to do if you get the flu

So what if you obtain a flu shot, practice stellar hand-hygiene and manage to contract the flu anyway? Since it is impossible to tell if you have the flu based on symptoms alone, visit your doctor. Tests can be performed in the first few days of the illness to determine the diagnosis. Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work to cure it. You need to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco, and possibly take medication to relieve symptoms.

The CDC warns never to give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, without speaking to your doctor. Doing so can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

By all accounts, we may be in store for a particularly harsh flu season this year. Take precaution to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu, particularly if you are an avid gym-goer. Preventative measures may not only help to avoid the flu, but also interrupting hard earned progress on your fitness goals.

For more information about the flu, it’s transmission, prevention and treatment, check out the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Who Needs The Flu Shot?

15 Sep



The season of the flu has arrived. Seasonal flu can make you miserable and wish you were dead. To the elderly or infirmed, it can cause death. There are many categories of people who need to get the flu shot. Health care workers. Anyone over 50 years of age. Children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Pregnant women. Anyone residing in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Children on long-term aspirin therapy from age 6 months to 18 years. Children and adults with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or other health problems. Immuno-compromised people on chemotherapy or people with HIV. Anyone with lung problems or compromised breathing. Anyone who lives or works with individuals with chronic health conditions listed above.

The flu vaccine is not going to prevent everyone from getting the flu, but it will prevent or reduce most complications from the flu. Flu patients can lose significant time from work and often are bed-ridden for days. The vaccine does not have live virus in it so that you are not getting the flu. Needle phobia is probably a big reason why some people don’t get the flu vaccine. There is vaccine in the form of a nasal mist which has been shown to reduce the chances of getting the flu by 92%. Do not get the flu vaccine 1. If you are allergic to eggs. 2. If you have had Guillain-Barre syndrome in the six weeks following a previous flu shot. 3. If you have had a previous reaction to the flu shot.

Flu shots are available through doctor’s offices, health clinics, pharmacies, and even through places of employment. Many health insurance companies pay for the flu shot and so do Medicare and Medicaid. Some places offer it free as a community service. October is the month to start thinking about the flu.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu