Influenza, aka flu, is a respiratory virus. It usually starts in October and goes through February or March of the next year. Here, I will discuss the symptoms to watch out for and ways to help ease those symptoms.
Symptoms
Fever
headache
body aches
chills
cough
sore throat
sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
runny nose and/or congestion
feeling tired or “run down”
Ways one might get the flu
Flu is spread by direct or indirect contact with someone who is infected.
Someone near you coughing, sneezing or talking. Droplets can pass from the infected person to you by getting on your hands or through the air (droplets) getting in your nose or mouth.
If you touch a surface that has the flu virus on it, then touch your face, nose, mouth or eyes; you can transfer the virus into your body.
Ways to ease the discomfort of the flu
Get plenty of rest!
Drink plenty of fluids…water….NOT soft drinks.
Take over the counter Tylenol. ONLY if approved by your doctor first.
There are also medications available (antivirals) if your doctor feels they would be appropriate for you
Remember!!!!
The flu is very contagious. You can develop symptoms any time from day 1 to day 4 after exposure. This also makes it easy for you to expose others without even knowing that you have the flu. Symptoms typically last 7 to 10 days.
Prevention
Hand washing, hand washing, hand washing
Cover you nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
Avoid touching your face
Wear a mask if you have to go out into the public
Stay home if at all possible if you have the flu