The Flu is here. Protect yourself!

It's on us!

We have been seeing a number of cases of "Flu" in schools, the workplace, and just among friends.  Some of these cases may be the real H1N1 Flu bug, but other cases are what I call a "flu-like illness" which lays people up for several days with fever (usually under 102), cough, nausea, and painful body aches.  The cases I've seen personally were in folks who did not take a flu shot.

How can I reduce my chances of catching the flu?

Flu is highly contagious, and the flu virus can live outside the body for up to 48 hours--so paying attention to cleanliness is very important.  A few points to note:

1.  Avoid contact with people who have flu.  If you can avoid direct contact with sick people, do so.  (if you can't look at suggestions #2 and #3 below)  And be considerate of others also--if you feel that you are getting sick, stay home from work and keep sick kids away from school and playmates.

2.  Cleaning surfaces; covered cough and sneeze.   If a friend or family member is sick, keep any surfaces that they touch clean by using antibacterial wipes or disinfectant spray.  Encourage all to cover their mouths and nose when they cough or sneeze.  Minimizing droplet exposure is helpful.

3.  Good Handwashing is probably the most important preventive measure.  Wash your hands with warm water and soap (ideally) or use an alcohol based hand cleaner (not as good but better than nothing)  if you come into contact with a person with the flu or if you have to touch dirty surfaces.  

When to see the doctor

If you are six months to 65 years of age and in good health, you don't need to see a doctor for the flu. Go to bed, drink plenty of filtered alkaline antioxidant water, take Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain and fever, and wait it out.  You will survive (after a few miserable days).

Infants, pregnant women, persons over 65 and those with chronic conditions should contact their doctor.

Persons with persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or inability to keep down food and fluids should be seen promptly also. 

What medicines to take

The short answer here is probably "none" as most do not help a lot.  

Keeping well hydrated with alkaline antioxidant water is extremely important both to avoid dehydration and for its anti-inflammatory effect.

Minor analgesics like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can be helpful to lower temperatures and help with body aches.  

Cough preparations such as Mucinex (guaifenesin) or dextromethorphan may give a little relief but generally are nothing to write home about.  

Stay well!