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Early this morning, I went to the clinic for a flu shot. That's right my fellow Whyvillians! Flu season is among us! And to be truthful, it has been. So as I
was having a needle jabbed in my arm, I decided to research this yearly
epidemic. What is it? What causes it? Why do I always catch it? ;)
The flu is cased by three different viruses: Influenza types A, B, and C.
A and B are the ones that cause the yearly outbreaks. Type C causes mild
illness, or no symptoms at all. Sounds lovely, don't they?
Flu viruses are spread from one person to another by sneezing, coughing or
direct contact. An estimated 25-50 million catch the flu each year. That's a lot
of people, eh? Usually, the flu only lasts a week or two, but the illness can
be life threatening for the very young, old and those with chronic disease.
About 20,000 people die from flu complications each year.
Now you're probably saying, uh oh??? hope I don't get the flu! I recommend getting
a flu
shot, especially if you have asthma or something similar.
The next question is, how does
one know he or she has the flu? Here is a list of symptoms:
Muscle Aches
Chills
Fever
Chest Pain
Headache
Weakness
Sore Throat
Anyone can get the flu, but you're more likely to get it if you live in a highly
populated area or go to school. In fact, kids ages 5-14 usually are the ones who
have to call in sick because of the flu.
Elderly people, who aren't completely
healthy to begin with, can also easily contract the flu.
If you are over 65, the please get a flu shot! You are at higher risk then most.
Anyone who would like to prevent the disease who lives in a technologically
advanced country can easily go get a flu shot. Unless you
want to feel your worst for a week or two, go get it! And kids, have you ever
noticed that fun things happen at school when you're out sick? Don't risk it! Ha
ha.
I especially beg those of who are 65 years or older, or are at high risk to develop the
complications that may go along with the flu, please get a flu shot!
What were those high risk groups again? The high risk group includes
people with diabetes, severe forms of anemia and chronic disease of the heart,
lung or kidneys. This includes those of you with asthma!
My nurse recommended
those in the high risk group to get their flu shots as soon as the flu season
begins (in the U.S., in late October or early November). Don't put it off!
The vaccine is
also recommended for women who will be in the second or third trimesters of
pregnancy during flu season and people who are in close contact with someone in
a high-risk group.
Traditional treatment of the flu usually consists of resting in bed, drinking
plenty of fluids and taking aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve fever and
discomfort. However, children with flu should not take aspirin. Other treatments
include a variety of prescription medicine, such as amantadine. Consult a doctor
for fevers above 102 degrees Fahrenheit or if symptoms do not improve within
about two weeks.
I got all information in this article from:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/INFECTIOUS_front.asp
For more information, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/flu/index.htm
This is Firecat, saying be healthy!
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