Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious acute infection of the respiratory tract, and is very common during the winter.
It usually appears as an epidemic and naturally school children are hit in the highest numbers. At risk are the very young, the elderly, those who are immunosuppressed and those who have chronic diseases.
Influenza is caused by a virus which mutates with lightning speed, or so it would seem. It is spread by droplet by inhalation, or by indirect contact.. eating or drinking from an infected person's glass.
Weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever of 101-102, sneezing or runny nose are the symptoms. Most people recover from the flu, but those who are at risk tend to develop complications- like pneumonia.
What do you do if you develop influenza?
- bedrest- you won't want to be up and running anyway- your body heals as you sleep, so you might as well
- Drink extra fluids -the CDC suggests 1 full glass of water or juice every hour
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) for the aching and pain. No aspirin for children
- after 3 days of fever of 102
- if you develop heavy mucus and have difficulty breathing
- relapse after good improvement
- Wash your hands frequently and teach children to follow your example
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing- use tissues- and dispose of them properly
- Flu shot- you have to be immunized a week to 4 months before exposure for the shots to be effective. They are inactivated viruses (dead) from several strains of the most prevalent mutated viruses. The shots are about 67-92% effective. These vaccines are developed from eggs, so if you are allergic to eggs, you should talk to your doctor before receiving the immunization. In rare cases, neurologic disorders can develop from the vaccine.
- Flu-Mist is another vaccine given during flu season. It is a live virus sprayed into the nose. Not recommended for those in the risk groups or pregnant women.
- If you know your resistance is down, stay away from shopping malls,theaters or crowded places during the epidemic. Keep your distance from people who are sneezing and coughing.
- There are anti-flu medications you can take if you can be diagnosed within the first 24-48 hours. Amantadine and Rimantadine are two of these. Relenza is an inhaled powder and Tamiflu, an oral med, are used to lessen the symptoms of influenza. Don't use the Relenza if you have lung problems.
- Keep a week's supply of canned meats, veggies, and fruits on hand
- Dry cereals or granola
- Peanut butter or nuts
- Crackers
- Fruit juices
- Bottled water
- Canned soups
- Extra prescription supplies- don't drop below a week's supply
- Soap and alcohol based hand wash
- Meds for fever- Tylenol or ibuprofen
- Thermometer
- Anti-diarrheal meds
- Fluids with electrolytes
- Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
- Garbage/waste bags
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