Preventing the Flu

What is “The Flu”?

The Flu (Influenza) is a viral infection of the throat, lungs and nose.  More than 10% of people living in USA are affected each year.  Although seen as a “non-serious” condition by the general public, more than 35,000 people die either directly from the flu or from medical complications arising from it.

The Flu’s symptoms can cause sore throats, tiredness, runny noses and headaches. At the extreme end of the scale you could catch pneumonia.

Who is more likely to catch the flu?

• People in the following categories should have a flu jab yearly:
• Children aged 6 months – 18 years
• Adults older than 60
• Females who intend to get pregnant
• People who either live or work in nursing homes or hospitals
• People who live (or work) with children under 1 year old
• People who have respiratory problems

Is the Flu Vaccine safe for me to take?

Absolutely. The worst you can expect is a sore spot on your arm for a day or two. Many people are wary of needles, but if you look away you will not even feel it enter your skin. It is completely painless. If you distract a child while they get it, the chances are they will never know they even had it.

If I’ve had the vaccine, can I still catch it?

Unfortunately, yes. No vaccine can protect you completely but it is extremely unlikely you will catch it if you have had the jab.  Every year government scientists choose 3 strains of the common Flu virus that are most likely to spread.  These are used in the vaccine. Provided the scientists are correct in their estimates, anyone under 65 years old is 95% likely to escape without catching the flu.

Tips on How to Get Rid of Flu

Influenza or flu is a disease caused by RNA virus. Common symptoms are fever, headache, joints and muscles ache, chest pains, poor appetite, fatigue, runny nose, soar throat, cough, chills, and other general discomfort.

Influenza virus may easily be spread out by coughing or sneezing.

Should you ever catch flu, here are the things that can ease off your condition.

§         Drink as much liquids as possible. You can drink water or fruit juices to replace the liquids you lose during your fever.

§         Take a plenty of rest. Stay in the bed and have a lot of sleep.

§         For cough, you can take over the counter medicine. Pharmacists can advise on what medicine is perfect for your cough condition.

§         If you have been drinking and smoking prior to and while having flu, you have to start changing your lifestyle, at least for the moment. Alcohol and smoking weakens your immune system which will slow down your recovery.

§         Paracetamol, ibrupofen, or aspirin may be taken for your fever and muscle aches. Best example is the over the counter nasal decongestant which contains all of those painkillers.

§         If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Usually, flu lasts only for three to five days but if the symptoms do not disappear after that given period or becomes worse, you need to see a doctor.

Influenza has potential to develop into more serious and life-threatening diseases. These cases may be rare but it possible that pneumonia or sinus trouble may follow if ignored.