Stopping The Nasty Little Bug We Call “The Flu”

 

The flu is a contagious viral disease that affects the lungs, throat and nose with sudden symptoms affecting the whole body: high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, cough and sore throat, etc, lasting from one to three weeks. The flu strikes an estimated 10-20 percent of the population each year —some of those people will be hospitalized and some cases are even fatal.

 

Here are some tips for protecting yourself against the flu and lessening the symptoms if you do get it.

 

¨ Preventing the flu:  Flu vaccinations are the best defense against the flu.

¨ Keep your distance from people who have the flu. And stay home if you're sick. You're contagious even before you show symptoms and for 3-5 days after the symptoms appear.

¨ Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

¨ Wash your hands often.

¨ Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, eat healthful foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, reduce stress.

¨ Get lots of rest.

¨ Drink lots of clear fluids daily.

¨ Keep your nasal passages moist -use saline spray/ increase the humidity in your home.

¨ To raise the humidity in your home —use a humidifier (make sure to keep it clean!!!), boil water on the stove, or sit in the bathroom with hot shower running.

¨ Sleep with your head elevated.

¨ Gargle with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in eight ounces of warm water) or suck on hard candy to relieve a sore throat.

¨ If chemo has your white counts low and  you find yourself needing to go out into a crowded area, try things like:

· Sit at the end of the isle at church

· Grocery shop at odd times when the crowds are lower

· Keep hand sanitizer handy and use it often when out and about