Say "Hello" to the FLU virus

[sara farr]

Say "Hello" to the FLU virus

Day 1 - Unproductive cough or sore throat (fragile tissue in trachea is breaking down)
Day 2 - ... plus high fever that can make you dizzy and knock you off your feet
Day 3 - ... plus chills and body aches
Day 4 - ... plus runny nose
Day 5 - ... plus painfully pounding headache
Day 6 - ... etc.

The flu usually lasts 1-2 weeks from onset. Symptoms can make it difficult to get the much needed rest.

How the flu spreads

Like all viruses, influenza needs a host in order to survive and multiply. The flu spreads from one person to another when tiny droplets of contaminated saliva are airborne by a cough or a sneeze. Hanging in the air, they find a new home when inhaled into an unsuspecting host.

Flu virus can also survive for several hours on a surface—telephone handset, a copying machine, a doorknob, a screwdriver—before a host comes along, gets the virus on his or her hands and then internalizes the virus by touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

Its possible to pass the flu along 24 hours before you even exhibit symptoms. The virus has a quick incubation period, and most people will fall ill within one to three days of becoming infected. You may still be contagious up to a week after symptoms first set in (a few days longer for children). In otherwise healthy adults, influenza lasts between seven and 14 days, with at least three days of severe symptoms.

Get Vaccinated!!

Flu vaccines help stem the tide of costs associated with health care, absenteeism and presenteeism. A study published by David Cutler, a Harvard health economist, showed that vaccinating healthy workers resulted in 43 percent fewer sick days and 44 percent fewer outpatient visits. Pulling out for a wider view, Cutler estimated that the nation's total economic burden of flu in 2004 was more than $20 billion.

No-nonsense tips

Finally, a few ideas you can use and share in the workplace to help stop the spread of flu germs:

* If you know you're sick with the flu, stay home.
* Get a flu shot, which not only protects you but helps prevent contagion.
* Within a day of becoming ill, ask your doctor about antiviral medications, which can shorten the episode and contain the virus.
* Be especially cautious between late December and early March, the peak of flu season.
* Sneeze or cough into your elbow, not into your hands.
* Clean phones, doorknobs and desktops with alcohol swabs.
* Throw used tissues away!
* Wash your hands and face often with hot, soapy water.

[Jeff]

Thank you, Sara. Do you know how much a flu shot'll run me?

[Mike]

Thank you, Sara. Do you know how much a flu shot'll run me?

Flu shots range from 20 to 35 bucks depending on where you go. Your typical doctor's visit is 30 bucks plus your co=pay (That's what I'm seeing so far) HEB, WalGreens and a few urgent care centers have 25 dollar flu shots. You just need to call a few places and get their prices. You also need to call in order to see if they have the flu shot in stock. Certain places like nursing homes and assisted living facilities get priority when the vaccine is released, and drug companies will sell them to the long term places first, as these folks get sick easier.

HEB is probably your best bet for a cheap flu shot. Some of the newer ones have urgent care offices in them where you can see a licensed professional and get treated for minor illnesses, and they also carry the flu shot.

Just a few more items:

You can't get the shot if you are visibly sick, are allergic to eggs or egg products ( The virus is grown in an egg protein solution), or have had any reaction to the flu shot in the past.

And remember, you're not getting vaccinated against every strain of influenza. The vaccines that is produced is only good against one or 2, and is done via CDC and WHO forecasts of which flu strain will be the most common. You can be vaccinated and still get a different strain of the flu.

There's one way to tell if you have a cold, or just the flu: a cold will not make you tired. Fatigue is the one symptom that sets the flu apart from your regular 'cold'. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarreah. Adults, however, rarely have this symptom.

If you do get the flu, please discard your toothbrush. You can easily reinfect yourself if you cram the same toothbrush you used while sick back into your mouth when you're healthy. Women should also avoid using any eye/lip makeup they used while ill, as again it may be contaminated.

the website
http://www.cdc.gov has some helpful info on influenza, prevention, and answers to frequently asked questions.

[kaci_beeler]

But...but...what if I don't want to say "hello" to the flu virus?

[Jeff]

Cheers, Mike.

[mpbrockman]

For those with needle phobia, be aware of the nasal spray option (LAIV). This is approved for healthy folk between the ages of 2-49.

The CDC says that there is an adequate supply this year. So if you're reasonably young and healthy there's no reason to go all noble and pass on the vaccination thinking that someone with higher risk factors should have the shot.

Unless, like me, the vaccine has a history of making you feel like crap for a month. Then you can join me in rolling the dice and being really paranoid around sniffly people.

Damn sniffly people...

[nadine]

Just drink lots of water, eat fruits, veggies, unprocessed foods, and exercise. Wash your hands regularly.

I don't believe in flu shots, most of which contain mercury.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/article ... e_3400.cfm

[kbadr]

I don't think I've ever gotten a flu shot. I'm still alive.

[apiaryist]

Flu shots are only comprised of 1 or 2 strains that the CDC has forecasted as being prevalent during the year. Most strains that infect people each year are new and/or mutated versions of influenza that are not in the shots. If you are reasonably healthy and not a senior citizen, getting poked is unnecessary. Moreover, it won't help you against the strains that will be going around. The shot would help the elderly and people with compromised immune systems, but it's almost the same as a placebo for most of the people in the AIC.

[arthursimone]

I don't think I've ever gotten a flu shot. I'm still alive.

I don't think I've ever gotten a kareem shot. I'm still arthur.

[kbadr]

I don't think I've ever gotten a kareem shot.

Only a select few have, my friend.