If anyone has seen the news, this
year’s flu season is one of the worst on record. Every state in the
United States, except Hawaii, is reporting larger numbers of flu
cases this year. We are seeing record hospitalizations for influenza
than just about every year and is rivaling the swine flu outbreak
several years ago. This year’s flu strain, H3N2, is particularly
dangerous since the flu vaccine for this season seems to be less
effective. Once diagnosed with influenza, how do we combat the
symptoms to ease their effects and get the rest to help our bodies
recuperate?
I Thought Flu Is Harmless?
Most people consider the flu a
relatively benign malady and they would be right. The standard
demographic that is affected by influenza is the elderly and
infants/babies who don’t have a fully developed immune system yet.
Others that are in the at risk demographic are those with underlying
health issues such as COPD, immune system issues, or any other health
issues that can compromise our respiratory system or other body
parts. Normally the vaccine is based upon particular flu strains that
show up in the southern hemisphere during our summer time.
Unfortunately, this year’s deadly strain (H3N2) is not effectively
killed by this year’s flu shot. What’s more dangerous this year
is the fact that relatively healthy adults are being affected
severely and deaths are being reported at an alarming rate. It’s
not the flu that can kill you, but the other issues such as pneumonia
that can turn sepsis caused by influenza.
Symptoms
The influenza virus attacks your
respiratory system which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. Often
the symptoms mimic those of the common cold, but with the flu the
symptoms are more severe and come on much faster. It usually starts
with a runny nose, sore throat, and maybe even sneezing but can
quickly escalate to dangerous effects. The Mayo Clinic says common
symptoms of influenza include:
- Fever over 100.4°F (38 C)
- Aching muscles
- Chills/sweats
- Headache
- Dry, persistent cough
- Nasal congestion/sore throat
The flu virus is transmitted by air
droplets that are suspended in the air when an infected person
coughs. It is when you directly inhale these droplets or touch a
surface that has been contaminated and touch your mouth that you
contract influenza. People are contagious typically from a couple of
days before symptoms surface and roughly 10 days after.
Finding Relief
Once influenza symptoms have appeared
and you are in an at risk demographic you should see your doctor
immediately. The one course of treatment your doctor may prescribe is
an antiviral prescription medicine such as Tamiflu. These can
diminish some of the symptoms and duration of the flu virus. There
are methods for alleviating the symptoms on your own that can make
you rest and more importantly get a good night’s sleep. They
include:
Kaz Vicks Electric Personal Steam Inhaler: With congestion comes difficulty breathing and the soothing relief of moist steam can help alleviate this problem. This steam inhaler allows warm steam to enter your nasal passages and lungs to temporarily give relief from coughs and congestion. This lessens mucus production and soothes your nose and throat which can help minimize coughing and the associated headache coughing can cause.
- Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Tablets: Since many of the symptoms of the flu are similar to the common cold, these effervescent tablets dissolve in water and can provide temporary relief from sinus pressure, head and body aches, and nasal congestion. As someone who has worked outdoors during the winter season, I can attest to their effectiveness. By alleviating some of these symptoms, you can get more rest and sleep to allow your body to overcome the flu virus.
- Boiron Oscillococcinum Cold and Flu Quick Dissolving Pellets: Minimizing and reducing the symptoms of influenza can expedite healing. These sweet tasting pellets dissolve on your tongue and don’t require chewing or swallowing of a pill/tablet whole. Symptoms such as body aches, fever, chills, and fatigue can all be lessened with these pellets and they have no known interactions with other medications. These are recommended for those aged 2 and up and work best when flu symptoms first appear.
- Himalayan Chandra Extra Strength Saline Neti Spray: The use of a Neti pot is an old world remedy for congested nasal passages. This spray is designed to naturally assist and facilitate breathing relief without the need of pouring water into your sinuses. It uses a natural, sterile saline solution that is sprayed in a fine mist into your nose which opens nasal passages and keeps your nose moist. It can help you breathe better and get more rest.
- Hero Nutritional Products Slice Vitamin C: It’s a well-known fact that vitamin C helps our bodies avoid and/or recover faster from cold and flu symptoms. These adult gummy vitamins help support the immune system which is our own body’s defense mechanism again foreign dangers such as the influenza virus. It uses a potent blend of toxin fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, and pomegranate to jumpstart our immune system to fight the flu.
- Burts Bees Honey Throat Drops: One of the most common symptoms or effects of the flu is a sore throat caused by a persistent cough or postnasal drip. These throat drops use 35% pure honey and cooling menthol to soothe the throat naturally. Honey has been a natural remedy for centuries and can now allow you to get the sleep you need without being interrupted by a nasty, persistent cough.
This year is a particularly nasty flu
season. You should start every flu season with the flu vaccine even
if it is not 100% effective. It can help jumpstart your immune system
and diminish any symptoms and longevity of the flu. Be sure to see
your doctor if you develop symptoms and are someone with underlying
health issues that may make the flu especially dangerous. Be vigilant
and safe!!
