Facts about the Flu
Flu, or influenza, has been misunderstood for a number of years. This is because people are not entirely sure that they have flu, or perhaps they are not clear on the type of flu that they have. What makes matters worse is that the average person who has not yet had flu in their life asks other people who have and the response always sounds like the flu is something that is catastrophic. It is indeed a nasty feeling to experience, and you can indeed be bedridden. However, not knowing about the flu, and not being aware of the symptoms and how they are for different people, can lead to yet more fear and doubt. Having the flu is not pleasant, but it is at least something that you can cope with better if you understand what it is all about. This article will go into the flu in detail, and explain all of the facts that you need to know about the illness. By the end of the article, you will know what the flu is, and how it manifests itself. You will also be aware of how to treat it, and how to feel most comfortable while you are experiencing it.
Flu can be characterised as one of three types, either strain A, B or C. This does not mean much to the sufferer who is lying in bed at home, but it is important to the physician who treats you. It is suffice to say that whatever flu strain you have, there is usually treatment for it. The different strains do mutate quite frequently, and can mutate into further more serious varieties. This is why there are so many people with flu throughout the year, due to the fact that it mutates and changes so rapidly.
Flu normally grips people in late fall to early spring. This is the most common period of the year in which flu begins to spread. However, it can of course affect people at any time of the year. This must be taken into account when any of the symptoms come about, because sufferers need to know that, no matter what time of the year it is, flu is still a possibility.
When it comes to the sufferers of flu, no one is exempt. Children and old people are most vulnerable, because their immune systems are not entirely robust (as is the case with children) or the immune systems are more vulnerable (as is the case with elderly people). That said, anyone can contract the flu, so everyone needs to be aware of the problems associated with it. Flu is spread by droplets of mucous from the mouth and nose. This is why it is so contagious. If a person who has flu sneezes or coughs, then the droplets are released in a cloud into the air, therefore infecting a large number of people. Then if the person who has just spread the flu touches any objects, the virus can then be spread to others.
The virus can spread from one day before symptoms appear, and for up to five days after someone gets sick with it. This means that anyone who has flu is, in effect, contagious before they get it, and long after the sickness period starts. This is why some particularly virulent strains of flu requires people to be quarantined. The safety of others is at risk before a person is even diagnosed as having flu.
The flu itself generally lasts for about a week. If you have the flu you will generally be running a fever, have considerable aches and pains, and feel generally quite tired, to the point of exhaustion if you are very unlucky. All of the usual symptoms that one associates with the common cold will become apparent during a bout of flu as well. In effect, anyone who has the flu can generally expect to be incapacitated for several days while they recover.
Tamiflu is generally recognised as the best treatment for the symptoms of flu. While there is no cure for the virus as such, Tamiflu is generally prescribed by doctors who want to lessen discomfort. However, Tamiflu is only effective within two days of the symptoms appearing.
The most important thing you can do when you get the flu is to take some rest. This is one of the biggest problems that occur when people who have the flu decide to keep on going about their daily lives. The key thing is to get into bed as soon as possible and do your best to sleep for as long as you possibly can. This will not actually be that difficult if you have flu. You will be so exhausted that all you will want to do is get some rest. Whatever you do, resist the urge to go to work, or to soldier on with some aspects of your daily life. The exhaustion should tell you that carrying on in this way is ill-advised. So the best thing you can do above all else is get into bed and stay there until you feel better.
There is another reason for plenty of bed rest. The flu is highly contagious, and taking to your bed will reduce the risk of the flu actually affecting anyone else. Remember that if you touch anything once you have the flu, there is every chance that you will put someone else at risk of contracting the virus. Do not do it, stay in bed and protect those around you.
Ensure that plenty of fluids enter your body. Water is the best thing for fluid intake. Drink lots of this while you are undergoing the symptoms of flu, and make sure that you have plenty on hand just in case you have a sudden attack of thirst. Sports drinks such as those that are used by professional runners are also good, but it is generally advisable to stick to water.
When it comes to eating, do this when you feel like it. It is very important that you do not worry about eating however, because as long as you are drinking plenty of water that is all that is important. So ensure that you drink water, and if you feel a little bit hungry here and there, then have a light snack. Chances are your appetite will be quite low, so do not worry, and keep drinking.
There are a number of over the counter cold and flu medications that you can take. Take as many of these as you feel comfortable with. If you are in any doubt, ask your physician for advice on anything that you are contemplating taking. Remember that it is your body, and that you should listen to it. Flu can be a very unpleasant sensation, but if you stuff yourself with plenty of medication, you may leave yourself open to further complications.
Having the flu is unpleasant, but if you arm yourself with the knowledge outlined above, and keep in contact with your doctor if you feel the need, then there is really nothing to be alarmed about. And if you feel that you need medication, Tamiflu is effective. Make sure, however, that you take it within two days of feeling sick.