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Flu Alert

About The Flu

According to Flu.gov, there are two strains of flu in the United States this year (2010).  They are the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (a third H5N1 {bird} flu is being closely tracked overseas).

While most healthy people recover from the flu with no problems, there are people who get serious complications from the flu.

People recognize the most flu symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and fatigue.  But, H1N1 symptoms can also include infection, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Usually, people who have had the flu in the past has developed some type of immunity to the seasonal flu viruses, since the viruses are closely related to each other.  The H1N1 flu virus is very different, which means that most people do not have immunity to the virus.  Their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus.

Prevention & Treatment

The best protection against the flu is to get a vaccination.  To be fully protected this year (2010) you need two vaccines.  One is for the seasonal flu and the other is for the H1N1 flu.

The flu spreads from person to person.  This is by way of coughing, sneezing, and even through touching objects contaminated with the virus.  Public items like elevator buttons, door knobs and work phones are very likely items to be contaminated.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water...and do it for 15 to 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice while rubbing).  If soap and water is not available, usea a hand sanitizer or an alcohol-based hand wipe.  Clean items like work phones with an alcohol-based wipe.  

The paper towel is a good friend.  Use them to open doors, turn on faucets, even to punch the elevator button.

Resist the urge of touching eyes, putting finger to nose, biting nails.  This gives the flu virus a welcome mat into your system.

Help others by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  Use a tissue or a paper towel.  If neither is available, you can sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.  Just make sure you put the clothing into the wash that night.

Talk to your doctor if you get the flu.  Antiviral drugs can be used for the prevention or treatment of flu viruses.  These drugs can help you feel better and can make your illness milder.

To help you treat flu symptoms with OTC items talk with your doctor or your pharmacist.

Information from Flu.gov and WebMD