Nausea, sore throat, fever, chills, body aches—how do you know if it’s the flu?
We have officially entered the flu season, which means the flu virus is
thriving at its best. Since the flu is more contagious during its prime season
(late December-early March), the bug is harder to avoid unless you take action
to prevent the spread of germs or received a flu shot. Here are some pointers
to help you identify the flu and outsmart it:
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Diagnosing the Flu:
Even though the flu and common cold produce similar symptoms, each virus is
different. Surprisingly, abdominal pain and nausea are not typical flu
symptoms. The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract so a dry cough,
stuffy nose, and sore throat are distinctive flu symptoms. These respiratory
symptoms coupled with body aches, chills, and fever—all of varying
degrees—comprise the nasty flu that we fear every winter. The flu strikes
abruptly and usually without any warning. The flu runs its course within a 1-
to 2-week time span.
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Understanding how the Flu Spreads:
In order for the flu to multiply and survive, it requires a host just like all
other viruses. The flu virus is highly contagious and can live up to several
hours on a surface—door handle, kitchen countertop, keyboard, etc., so the
chances of picking up the bug whether it be via touching the mouth, nose, or
eyes without washing your hands are heightened.
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Outsmarting the Flu:
If you keep yourself aware of who is sick around you and you take measures to
wipe out germs, then you’re already doing yourself and others around you a big
favor. Some of the best prevention methods include getting a flu shot, which
protects you and prevents the flu from spreading; washing your hands and face
frequently with hot water and antibacterial soap; sneezing and coughing into
your elbow rather than your hands; throwing away your tissues immediately after
use; cleaning any objects you come into contact with such as door handles,
phones, keyboards, etc.; and disinfecting areas where germs thrive, such as a
bathroom, kitchen, and desk area.
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Flu & Cold Factoids: Flu and cold myths have been circulating for
many years, and the proverbial myths can almost be considered traditions when
put into practice. Here are some truths about the flu and common cold that bust
debatable myths: colds are not caused by going outside without a coat, flu
vaccines do not cause the flu, you should feed both a cold and a fever (this
contradicts the popular belief “feed a cold, starve a fever”), and vitamin C
does not aid in preventing the flu or accelerating recovery.
Now that you have distinctive pointers for recognizing the flu, preventing it
from spreading, and dispelling flu and cold myths, hopefully you will be able
to keep healthy and avoid the flu bug this season.
