Caring for the Flu

For Immediate Release

02/17/2009




How do you know if you have a common cold or the flu? “You probably have a cold if your worse symptoms are located from your neck up,” says Copley’s Wellness Center Manager, Linda Shaw, RN, CCE.  “If your symptoms are worse from the neck down such as aching bones and muscles chances are it’s the flu.” She continues, “They are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory track, although the flu is much worse.”    If you are diagnosed with the flu the best medicine for you and those around you is to stay at home and give your body the rest it needs.  Shaw reminds us that flu season in Vermont is from late December and lasts through April. She offers the following home remedies for caring for the flu:
Keep Hydrated

High fever makes your body lose water and dehydration can raise your temperature.  “Drink at least 8 cups of water each day,” she said.  Hot chicken soup, especially when loaded with pepper, garlic and other pungent spices, can help thin mucus in the mouth, throat and lungs.
Congestion

Using a humidifier makes the dry air easier to breathe.  A warm shower opens airways and thins the mucus in your sinuses.  “Many people find drinking warm decaffeinated tea with honey a great way to coat the throat, soothing it,” she said.
 
 
Fevers and Muscle aches

With the flu you should avoid over the counter medicines that mix cough suppressants, acetaminophen and decongestants. Using a combination of these products can cause acetaminophen overdose. If your nose or throat is itchy, antihistamines may help, but don’t use them for more than three days. Antihistamines can cause a rebound effect, which means your stuffiness will come back worse than before.  “Never give children or adults younger than 20 years of age aspirin for symptoms of flu or cold,” cautions Shaw.
 
Shaw said that prescription antiviral medications like Tamiflu decreases the ability of flu virus to reproduce, shortening the illness by 1 to 2 days providing it’s taken within 12 to 48 hours after you start feeling like you are sick.  Antibiotics will not help as they do not cure infections caused by viruses.  
 
The best way to avoid getting the flu is get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, don’t rub your eyes or touch your mouth as these are the main routes through which viruses enter your body. Shaw also suggests boosting your immune system through exercise, sleep and avoiding second hand smoke.
 
Always seek medical attention if you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes or a lung disease. You should also contact your physician if you have an earache or drainage from the ear, shortness of breath, a temperature higher than 102, wheezing, hoarseness or sore throat that will not go away or if you have pain in your face or forehead along with thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week.
Flu is manageable; rest and keeping to yourself is key.  For more information on caring for the flu, or any other disease or illness contact Copley Hospital’s Wellness Center at 888-8369 or the hospital’s Medical Library at 888-8347.
 
 

Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger
Senior Director Development, Marketing & Public Relations
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
lhollenberger@chsi.org