“Influenza” takes on a variety of symptoms that may seem obvious but can also look similar to the common cold. The current H3N2 strain circulating the U.S. seems to welcome more severe symptoms than commonly seen with the flu. Knowing how to identify the flu and/or Norovirus is vital to getting the help medically need.
Of course, the best defense against the flu is the flu shot. Although the flu shot is not a guarantee to prevent the flu, it will help your body fight the flu should you come in contact with someone who is contagious. Washing hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, avoiding contact with someone who is ill, maintaining a clean environment (wipe down keyboard, door knobs, countertops, and any common area around you) help to minimize your exposure.
The typical characteristics of the flu are:
Coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and body chills.
The typical characteristics of the “Norovirus” are:
Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
It is not unusual to have a combination of the two. Both are highly contagious and can lead to dehydration if you are not consuming enough fluids.
The elderly, people who have weakened immune systems and those in contact with the general public are even more vulnerable to succumbing to the flu. Prevention is wisdom. The flu shot assist in avoiding the flu, or at the least building a defense against it.
If stricken by the flu, make sure to consume fluids containing “electrolytes” (i.e. Sport drinks, juice, soup), get plenty of rest and avoid contact with other people. Wipe down any contact with surfaces, etc., helping to limit the spread of the flu, as well.
Be aware of your intake of “Tylenol” (Acetaminophen), limiting it to under 3,000 milligrams per day, according Dr. Richard Besser (ABC News medical correspondent). He also recommends that if you have the flu and appear to be coping well with it but may need your doctor’s advice, avoid going into public places like the emergency room, patient centers where other people may be suffering from more severe symptoms.
For more information and how to locate where the vaccine is available in your area, visit www.flu.gov.
Click on this link to learn more (http://youtu.be/uxNGm8-yAbs)
Quick Tips for Wellness: Prevention is the key to avoiding the flu!
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