The Flu

Charlie came down with the flu April 29th, he is finally over it with just a little cough left, as soon as he came home with it, I avoided him, I slept in the guest room, I washed my hands and the house constantly, I made him cover his mouth and I covered mine when around him, I did this for the first 5 days which may have saved me, I also started taking zicam melt in your mouths tablets 3 times a day, I am still taking them! My friend Colleen had the flu last month and suggested the zicam, it's good stuff!

We are praying I do not catch this, I do not do well when I get sick and usually end up in the ER with severe dehydration (I always get 3 bags of fluid when there), even though I try to drink as much as possible.

I thought I would post some information about the flu, it is amazing how many people really don't know much about the flu and think it is stomach problems (those are usually from eating something with bad bacteria in it).

Please cover your mouth when coughing in public, it is our only defense, and cough into the crook of your arm, not your hands, it takes a while to retrain yourself but it is worth it. And wash your hands constantly!

Stay healthy out there!

The Flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are many different strains of the virus and they mutate frequently. That is why people continue to come down with the flu year after year.

How the Flu is Spread:
Influenza is spread by droplets from the mouth and nose. If a person with the flu sneezes or coughs, the virus is then released into the air, and whatever the person touches, and can then be passed on to others. The flu can be spread from 1 day before symptoms appear to 5 days after becoming sick. It is possible to spread the flu before you even know you have it.

What to Expect From the Flu Virus: The flu generally lasts anywhere from 2-7 days, with 4-5 days being the most common. ( Charlie is going on 10 days now!) People with the flu usually run a fever, have aches and pains throughout their bodies, feel exhausted, experience severe headaches and may have cold symptoms. These symptoms come on more rapidly than they do with a cold. People with the flu are typically unable to perform daily activities due to the illness.

Is There a Cure for the Flu?: There is no cure for the flu. There are some prescription antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu(TM), that may help shorten the duration of the illness. However, Tamiflu(TM) is only effective if taken within the first two days of the onset of symptoms. Your doctor will determine if these medications are right for you.

What Should I Do if I Have the Flu?: The most important thing to do when you get the flu is to get plenty of rest. Because the flu is highly contagious, you should avoid other people until you are feeling better. Other tips for taking care of yourself when you have the flu:
Drink plenty of fluids - water and sports drinks
Take over the counter medications to relieve symptoms
Sleep as much as possible
Eat when you feel like it, but don't worry about it as long as you are drinking plenty of water
Avoid alcohol and tobacco use