The Sneeze, the Cough, the Flu…

Well, I finally got zapped this year by the flu. Actually, I am not sure that’s exactly what I had. But it sure felt like it. I felt so miserable, I called in for the first time in I cannot remember how long. That’s one for the record books. I slept a lot, took tylenol, and drank fluids like crazy. Of course, even though I was not at work, I thought of work often and I only had to miss one day of work, which was pretty significant for me. Of course, now I wonder who I could have possibly gotten the flu from. Was it the little girl I saw with a severe cough or the older gentleman, who had a fever, but did not know why. It does not really matter. All that matters now, is that I feel better. Did I say, thank goodness.

Flu, flu, flu. Have you been exposed to the flu? We sure are seeing or actually feeling a lot of the flu these days. The flu season started early this season and is affecting more and more people, especially the very young and the very old. Are you achy or do you have fever, nasal drainage, or other symptoms?

I felt compelled to write about the flu because it seems to be everywhere. You can not turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or talk with family or friends without the conversation coming up. Do you know anyone that has had the flu this year? Chances are you do and if you do, you know you should try to avoid them. The flu is spread via droplets that are created when individuals that have the flu cough, sneeze, or talk.

Just some tidbits about the flu: the flu or influenza was first discovered by studies on animal diseases in 1918. It was first observed in pigs by a veterinarian (J.S. Koen) and it was thought to be the same as the “Spanish Flu Pandemic” in 1918. The Spanish flu was the deadliest ever. About 500 million people were infected, about one-third of the world’s population, and it killed an estimated 20-50 million people world-wide.

What is the flu? The flu, aka influenza, as it is sometimes called, is a highly contagious virus that can be deadly, especially in high risk groups. The flu can last up to one to two weeks. Flu symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• sore throat
• Cough
• Headaches
• Nasal drainage
• Body aches or muscle aches

According to the CDC, the flu has killed 63 children as of February 9, 2018. That is so scary, especially for new moms and the elderly, who are more at risk. They actually think this is one of the worst flu outbreaks on record to date.

How do you know if you have a flu or have a cold? Have you had this question this fall/winter season? In case you did not know, you can tell the difference. A cold typically starts with a sore throat, runny nose, and chest congestion and can last a few days up to one week.

The flu can begin in a different way. Often, the flu can start with vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can be more severe and last longer and include headaches, fever, muscle aches, and feeling sore. High fevers >100.0 F are not unusual with the flu and can last several days.

You can also have muscle pain and fatigue with the flu that is severe lasting up to one week. If these symptoms last longer than one week you should see your medical provider. If symptoms persist you can ultimately get pneumonia, which if left untreated can be life threatening.

You can prevent the spread of the flu by remaining home if you are ill. The flu can be contagious for up to seven days. Things one should do:

• Avoid close contact
• Stay Home the you are sick
• Wash your hands
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Avoid touching orifices (including your mouth, nose, and eyes)
• Do not touch potentially contaminated surfaces
• Clean your environment frequently
• Practice good health health habits
• Protect yourself by wearing a mask if you are around flu-infected individuals
• It’s not too late to get vaccinated

Keeping a good immune system can help you stay well. Which means eating healthy and getting enough sleep are also key to staying healthy. It is also helpful to stay away from sick individuals.

By following these simple guidelines you will hopefully avoid the flu bug and stay healthy. Until next time…

Disclaimer

http://www.cdc.gov/flu

http://www.vaccines.gov/diseases/flu/index.html

http://www.cdc.gove/dcs/ContactUS/Form

http://www.today.com/video/how-to-protect-yourself-and-your-family-from-the-flu-1154699331932?v=a