Someone told me you are not supposed to get the flu in April. Well, that might be true statistically. Most cases of the flu come about in fall and winter according to the CDC. February is usually the month with the greatest peak in diagnosed flu cases. So take the 5 steps to control the flu.
CDC Statistics
While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter
Here it is almost Easter and everyone is dealing with seasonal allergies. That is true, but the flu virus is still active and can raise it’s ugly head at any point. Just because there is a peak in December to February it does not mean it disappears. So, I am going to give a few tips on what to do even if it is April. Here are 5 steps to take control of the Flu.
The vaccination season is just about to start. Get one if you are physically able. Although it will not protect you from all the strains of flu, it will protect you from some of them.
1. Go To The Doctor
If you have the symptoms of the flu, go to the doctor. The flu is contagious for days BEFORE you have symptoms. You can be walking around giving the virus to other people, without even knowing it.
When you start to have symptoms, GO TO THE DOCTOR. I can not emphasize this enough. At the point your symptoms start you need to be seen. This is when you are most contagious.
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Aches all over body and muscles
- Headace
- Fatigue
- Sore Throat
Now people may say they have diarrhea or stomach ache. These are not usually symptoms of flu. Children may exhibit these symptoms but not usually adults with flu. Those are symptoms of a virus, bacteria of another kind.
If you have a stubborn family member, (I will not mention my husband here) that insist on not going, encourage them not to wait.
Tamiflu
This is one of the medicines they like to give out for the flu. Whether that is good or bad I am not judging, but I do know that if you do not get it early on in your steps it will not do you any good. If is supposed to reduce the time you have the flu and reduce the symptoms. Not getting early intervention will prevent much of the effectiveness of the medicine.
I just want to say one more time how important it is to go to the doctor. Yes, the virus will eventually go away, but early intervention can shorten the course and symptoms. Don’t let the flu control you , you take the 5 steps to control the flu.
2. Get Plenty Of Fluids
Water is the answer for every thing. When you drink plenty of water it can help to reduce your fever. Water can also keep the congestion and secretions thin and moving along.
Fever increases the loss of water from your body. Runny noses and sweating also add to your loss of water. Dehydration can occur if you are not drinking plenty of water. So, keep the water nearby and sip on it constantly. Keep track of how much you are really drinking so that you KNOW you are getting enough. Sometimes we put a cup beside us and sip on it. Make sure you are getting at least 1/2 of you body weight in ounces. For instance if you weight 150 lbs. get 75 ounces of water.
Avoid coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages. All of these tend to dehydrate you quickly. Drink what you like but make the most of your fluids water.
3. Eat Nutritious Foods
That old saying “Feed a fever, starve a cold” or whatever it was. Just ignore that. You need to eat while you have the flu. The strength you get from food is necessary and helpful.
Now I remember my mom felt like we needed good old homemade chicken noodle soup. Guess what, there is some truth to that reasoning. The things needed in chicken noodle soup are helpful. The soup adds fluids to your body and the chicken is protein, essential for healing. You can’t beat either of those. If you are at a total loss for what to cook, here are 3 recipes I make to comfort other people.
3 Recipes for Comfort Food
Eating regular meals will help to keep your strength up. So don’t neglect eating. Soups are a good choice because of the extra fluids they provide and they are hot.
Choose good foods when you are sick. Try to eat some fruits and vegetables that will add to your nutritional needs and stay away from high fatty, and high salty foods.
4. Treat Your Symptoms
1.Take a hot shower to open up your airways in the morning.
3. Take tylenol or some form of medicine to reduce fever.
2.Use saline nasal sprays for your nose.
Medicines can help to control your symptoms but they will not get rid of the virus. Even the antiviral medicines will not do that.
5. Do A Thorough Disinfecting
I went directly to the store and bought a few things to start this process.
Lysol has a new product out that you add to your washing machine.
- Strip your sheets. Put them in the washing machine with the new Lysol Laundry Santizer.
- Wash your sheets and pillowcases in HOT WATER.
- Spray your bed and pillows with Lysol.
- Wipe all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen with a water bleach mixture.
- Spray your Lysol on other surfaces.
At this point you are really just doing the best you can to prevent the virus from spreading. Flu is not joke and no one else needs to pick it up. Since your head has been in the bed this is a really good place to thoroughly disinfect.
The 5 steps to help control the flu will not get rid of it. They can greatly reduce the time it lingers though. Try them. Get ahead of your symptoms and anticipate them before they start.
The flu is a terrible virus and should be taken seriously. It can last 1 to 2 weeks and can be debilitating. It should not be taken lightly. This is not like a common cold.
If you have any other types of serious medical conditions you should take this very seriously. The virus can make other conditions worse. People with asthma, heart conditions, children and elderly are particularly at risk. Death can occur if it is not taken seriously.
Always go to the emergency room if any of these symptoms become part of your illness.
- Fever that will not come down or greater than 104.
- Breathing that is labored.
- Not going to the bathroom.
- Bluish tint to lips or around nose.
- Severe muscle pain or pain anywhere.
- Ribs contracting while breathing.
Take the flu serious. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others. Use these 5 steps to control the flu and return back to work or your job. Don’t let it take control of you. And as always call 911 if the symptoms are serious for you or your loved ones.