What to Do When You Get the Flu

The Influenza (flu) epidemic is going full bore right now in the United States.  Learning how to prevent the flu is invaluable. However, even if you’re doing everything right, you can still be exposed to it and become ill. Examples: You may get sneezed on by someone infected with the flu, or touch a contaminated shopping cart handle. If you get sick, here are some tips on how to take care of yourself.

Antiviral medication: If you feel you have the signs and symptoms of Influenza (the flu) contact your doctor to discuss the need/use of an antiviral medication. This is especially important to do if you're in any high risk groups that are more prone to complications, such as (but not limited to) those that have any underlying chronic medical conditions, are pregnant, the very young or the very old. Antiviral medications need to be started within one to two days of the onset of symptoms to be effective to help lessen the severity of your symptoms and the duration of your illness.

Rest: If you start to feel ill, rest at home so you can recover. Also, you don’t want to spread the virus to others.

Fluids: Keep your fluid intake up, especially if you have a fever (or are experiencing any nausea, vomiting or diarrhea). It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re sick.

Fever and Pain Control: Controlling your fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help to prevent dehydration (from the fever) and lessen any pain (muscle, joint pain and/or headache). *If the person (usually infants and children) has a history of febrile seizures, fever control is of the utmost importance to prevent a febrile seizure from occurring. *Never give aspirin to infants, children, teens or young adults, as taking aspirin in this age group (especially during a viral illness) can cause a serious condition called, Reye’s Syndrome.

Be on the alert for complications: If you develop any worsening of symptoms such as, but not limited to, shortness of breath, chest pain, ear pain, headache, severe pain of any kind, or any other concerns, contact your doctor. If you’re unable to reach your health care provider then seek care at an urgent care clinic or emergency room for any urgent symptoms.

8 Tips to Prevent the Flu (Influenza)

Now is the time to get your flu shot (also known as the “Influenza Vaccine”). Influenza cases are now being seen in the United States. The vaccine takes approximately 2 weeks to actually protect you; if you’ve not received one yet, do so soon.

Influenza (also known as “the flu”) is an illness of the respiratory system caused by various viruses. It is contagious. It can strike anyone at any age. It can make you mildly sick to severely ill and even cause death in some cases. The very young, the elderly or those that have chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of becoming very ill if they are stricken with influenza.

1. Get your flu shot, also known as the “Influenza Vaccine” every year. There is now an Intranasal (applied into the nose) version too. (Some patients are not eligible/have contraindications for one or both of these, with more restrictions existing for the intranasal; for those that have a history of certain medical conditions or allergies). Read the Vaccine information sheets for more info on this and you check with your doctor.
2. Wash your hands (all surfaces) with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, before you eat or touch your face, eyes, nose and mouth. This helps to prevent illness causing germs from entering your body and making you sick.
3. Carry and use alcohol based hand sanitizer for use it if you’re not near a sink and soap and water *For an extra boost of cleaning, use it after washing with soap and water (and after hands are dried) if you are concerned you were exposed to a high germ area(s) or if handling items from someone who is already sick. Rub it on all hand surfaces until it dries. 
4. Use a paper towel to touch door knobs, faucets and toilet knobs when using public restrooms (or sharing a bathroom with others in a dorm room or with someone who may already be ill).  If you miss this step, you'll be transmitting germs from things you touch (from other people) onto your hands.
5. Get your sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep each night (7 – 8 hours) will help to keep your immune system healthy.  Sleep deprivation can inhibit your body’s ability to fight off infections.
6. Stay hydrated. Dry mucus membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) diminish our ability to fight off germs that we're exposed to.
7. Eat healthy foods. Consume a diet rich with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Doing so will provide your body with an abundance of nutrients that can help you fight off infections, disease and build up your immunity.
8. Steer clear of crowds once flu season hits, as much as possible, to reduce your exposure to it.

Practicing these tips above and working them into your daily routine, will help to prevent catching colds and flu anytime and are especially helpful when flu season hits.*Contact your doctor for any questions regarding current or past illnesses, the influenza vaccine or any other health concerns.

8 Tips for you to outsmart the flu (part 2 of a 2 part series)

      Influenza is nothing to sneeze at. The number of deaths in the United States attributed to Influenza varies from year to year, but can range from as few as 3,000 to as high as 49,000, as per a 31 year review posted by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control);  it pays to be prepared. Try the following tips to help you fight off the flu.

1. Get your flu shot (AKA influenza vaccine) every year, unless contraindicated for you.  The Influenza Vaccine is approved for use in people ages 6 months and up.  See my blog post on 10/5/11, at this link: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2011/10/fancy-flu-if-not-get-your-shot-part-1.html for more info on this.
2. Wash your hands well (all surfaces) with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, prior to eating and touching you face, eyes, nose and mouth. This helps to prevent transferring germs from your hands to other parts of your body that serve as a portal to your system.
3. Carry and use alcohol based hand sanitizers; place one each in your car, pocket, backpack, or purse.  Doing this is great especially if you are not near a sink with soap and water to clean your hands. *For an extra boost of cleaning, use it after washing with soap and water (and after hands are dried) if you are concerned you were exposed to a high traffic germ area(s) such as shared door handles, desk tops etc. Or handling items from someone who is already sick. *Rub it on all hand surfaces until it dries. 
4. Use a paper towel to touch door knobs, faucets and toilet knobs when using public restrooms (or sharing a bathroom with others such as in a dormitory or with someone who may already be ill). Make sure to use a paper towel to turn faucets on, then a fresh one after your hands are clean to turn the faucet off and open the door.  If you miss this step, you will be transmitting germs from the faucets and door knobs from other people onto your hands.
5. Get your rest. Getting the proper amount of sleep each night (7 – 8 hours) will help to keep your immune system healthy.  Sleep deprivation can inhibit your body’s ability to fight off infections.
6. Stay hydrated. Dry mucus membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) diminish our ability to fight off germs that we are exposed to.
7. Eat healthy foods. Consume a diet rich with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, which give our body an abundance and variety of nutrients that help us fight off infections and disease.
8. Steer clear of crowds once flu season hits, as much as possible, to reduce your chances of repeated exposure.

      Practicing these tips above and working them into your daily routine, will help to prevent catching colds and flu anytime of the year, but are especially helpful when influenza is upon us when flu season hits.