“Just the facts ma’am”

The influenza disease, or Flu, affects the upper respiratory system. Flu symptoms can vary, but are often similar to the common cold. The major exception is relatively high fevers which are almost always present in cases of the flu, but rarely in adults who have a common cold.

The Flu is caused by an infection of the body with an influenza virus. What is commonly referred to as “cold and flu season” is not actually caused by changes in the weather. It is merely that time of year when we increase indoor activities which brings close contact among large groups people, predominately, children and adults in school settings.

There are close to 200 different viruses that cause an illness. Some of the more common viruses are; the rhinovirus, corona virus or influenza virus. Stomach flu is caused by an infection with the norovirus. Although the names are similar “the flu” signs and symptoms (other than headache and fever) are quite different from those associated with the stomach flu.

The common symptoms for stomach Flu (norovirus) are; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Stomach Flu is sometimes referred to as gastroenteritis and symptoms appear suddenly and usually last less than three days. Flu symptoms can last for as long as ten days, usually beginning with fever, body aches and chills and ending with cold-like symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, etc.).

Flu, stomach flu and the common cold are all contagious viral diseases that can be transmitted from person to person by close contact, touching contaminated surfaces or eating contaminated food. Avoidance is common sense, but let’s list them anyway.

• avoiding close contact with those who are obviously sick,
• washing hands after touching public surfaces
• keeping the hands away from the mouth, nose and eyes.

Antibiotics are useless because these are all viral infections. So, a visit to the doctor is usually unnecessary. The obvious exception is:

• an unusually high or prolonged fever
• symptoms of bacterial infection
• other serious complications

Bronchitis or pneumonia may be indicated by a cough that produces mucus.

Ear infection may be indicated by a pain in the ears.

Sinus infection may be indicated by severe headache, facial pain and pain in the teeth.

For people that are at high risk for developing complications from the Flu should call their doctor within 48 hours of developing symptoms. An anti-viral medication may be necessary to shorten the duration and severity of the Flu signs and symptoms.

The list of people who are at high risk is:

• people older than 50,
• nursing home and long-term care residents,
• people with heart problems, lung disease, diabetes, kidney problems, and sickle cell disease,
• children who are on an aspirin therapy regimen
• and anyone who suffers from an impaired immune system, including those who are taking immuno-suppressive drugs.

Women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing complications from the Flu virus.

One simple thing that you can do is to strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system will lessen your chances of contracting this flu. In addition, washing your hands frequently, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest is key.

Stay calm, stress will put a lot of strain on your immune system. When your immune system is weakened you are more vulnerable to this flu. Do more of things that help you relax and get plenty of rest and sleep. Your diet can stress the immune system, eating sugars, and refined flours and foods high in calories and low in nutrition will weaken your immune system. Eat more vegetables and fruits for additional vitamin C which really helps to boost your immune system.

You can also take vitamins that you can purchase here at Quisenberry Pharmacy. Vitamin C is an antiviral and an antioxidant, it helps to protect your cells from viruses and chemical stress. Vitamin A also helps to boost immune system but is often neglected. Current research can confirm that viruses and bacteria lowers the levels of vitamin A within a human body. Be cautious, too much of vitamin A can be toxic. Let us help you pick the proper dosages for you.

The swine flu is a specific type of flu that is very common in pigs or otherwise known as “swine.” The swine flu has symptoms that are similar to the regular flu. Even though it is quite rare for a human to have swine flu, it is possible for a human to contract the swine flu when exposed to swine. The human form of this flu is called swine flu because scientists have discovered that this strain of flu is similar to the swine flu commonly found in pigs. This flu has to be mutated in such a way that it can be easily transmitted among us humans.  This has raised an alert by the World Health Organization to have a Phase 4 Pandemic Alert.

How to defend yourself from this swine flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and for Prevention have said that the drugs, Tamiflu, and Relenza, helps in the treatment and prevention of swine flu. But the most effective way of preventing the swine flu from spreading would be to wash your hands very frequently with a generous amount of soap.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

This new strain of swine flu goes by the name of H1N1, and has a mixture of viruses from pigs and humans making it very susceptible for humans. The symptoms of swine flu are a sudden fever, coughing, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.