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Your head and body are aching, your temperature is skyrocketing, and you’ve got a cough you can’t shake…millions of Americans may recognize these familiar symptoms— you’ve probably got the flu.
The standard flu season generally lasts from October through May, so now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and how to protect your family and loved ones.
Influenza is spread through person- to-person contact. To protect yourself and others, cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often (or use hand sanitizer), and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
But even when you’re careful, it’s still possible to get sick. If you think you’ve contracted the flu, the most important thing to do is rest. Keep in mind that you’re likely contagious the first few days, so stay at home and take it easy. You’ll not only get the rest you need, but you’ll protect your friends and coworkers.
If you think you have the flu, call your doctor for advice. Don’t assume you need to go to emergency. You usually don’t need to make a trip to the hospital unless you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Pain in chest or abdomen
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Intense irritablility in children
- Gray or bluish skin
In April 2009, a new influenza strain called H1N1 was detected in the United States. Because the virus first appeared genetically similar to the influenza virus found in pigs, scientists nicknamed it the “swine flu.” But as the virus has spread and become more closely studied, it’s become apparent that the two strains are actually very different.
H1N1 symptoms are very similar to the common flu, including a fever, sore throat, head and body aches, cough, and runny nose. Some people also report nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, but in general, H1N1 can only be identified by medical tests.
The good news is that H1N1 is generally mild—most people who have contracted the virus recover within a few days without needing medical treatment. Keep in mind, though, that the strain is highly contagious. The Center for Disease Control recommends you stay home as soon as you suspect you have the virus, and don’t return to work or other public places until your fever has been gone for a full 24 hours.
If you haven’t yet been exposed to the virus, an H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in October. The seasonal flu shot does not protect you from H1N1, so even if you normally or have already gotten a flu shot, you may want to consider this additional vaccine. Talk to your doctor for a recommendation.
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Take care of yourself and your family this flu season. Get lots of sleep, eat plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods, and remember the simplest way to avoid the spread of germs—wash your hands often and thoroughly!
While it is generally unnecessary to make a trip to the Emergency Room for flu-like symptoms, it has become a common occurrence. That’s why Memorial Hospital has developed the state’s first Flu Fast Track Initiative, a special triage program designed to quickly treat concerned patients and their families.
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