That’s right! It’s ‘flu season! You know, Influenza, Captain Trips (as the kids call it), or as it’s known in my house, The Sickness That Would Not Leave. Let’s talk about this FP, shall we? But first:
What is Influenza and how is it different from the common cold? A cold and the flu are caused by different viruses, though they have very similar symptoms. So similar, that it can be near impossible to tell the difference. It’s a important distinction, however — the flu can come with very serious complications and can lead to things like ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, even heart failure. The more extreme complications are usually limited to those who are vulnerable to them, like the elderly, the very young, or those with other medical conditions. Flu symptoms tend to be more severe than cold symptoms, fever of over 101, headache, and body aches are pretty good evidence that you might have the flu rather than just a cold. Don’t assume that your sore throat and cough are no big deal. It can be a big deal. Take care of yourself.
The CDC has some advice for Flu prevention, or stopping the flu before it becomes your FP. Numero Uno is, of course, get vaccinated if you can. Don’t be like my mother who used to swear — absolutely swear that the one time she got vaccinated she got so sick, sick for the whole year all because of that stupid shot! A lot of people say this. I can think of, oh, four people off the top of my head who have said something similar to me when I do my work as a Vaccine Evangelical. You know what? It’s not true. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. Harvard Medical School has this to say about it:
The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus that can't transmit infection. So people who get sick after receiving a flu vaccination were going to get sick anyway. It takes a week or two to get protection from the vaccine. But people assume that because they got sick after getting the vaccine, the shot caused their illness.
Get your shot, people! Every year! If you haven’t gotten it yet, it’s not too late. As for my mother, she got her vaccine last year due to near constant nagging from me and my Nurse Practitioner aunt who responds to horror stories about the vaccine with an eye roll and — gasp! — she didn’t get sick. So she got it again this year. Some stories have a happy ending.
The CDC also recommends the following common sense tips:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Alright. So the prevention ship has sailed and now you are sitting on your couch, shivering under a blanket, scaring the cat with your loud, deep cough. The cat is like, who let a dog in here? and you just want to sleep for the rest of your life. What now?
Antiviral drugs are available through your doctor, if you have access to one. If you are a member of a high risk group, you should seek medical attention if you have flu symptoms — those antivirals can help prevent the worst complications. If not, rest, rest, rest! Fluids to prevent dehydration, of course, and please do everyone you love and like a favor and stay away from them. Pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical help if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Seizures
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In my house, we battle flu and cold symptoms with alcohol. That sounds terrible when I put it that way, but yeah. Here is my remedy for a sore throat or cough (spoiler alert: it’s basically just a very simple hot toddy):
- Honey
- Whiskey
- Lemon
- Boiling Water
In a mug, add honey to taste; I usually give the bear a good 2 or 3 squeezes. Add 2 fingers of whiskey. Squeeze a lemon wedge into the honey / whiskey mixture. Stir until combined. Add boiling water to fill the mug. Sip, then go to bed! You need your rest!
Also, in case you need the comfort, here are various chicken soups:
What’s your FP?