Allergy Relief

Surviving Flu Season

I’m sure you’re sick and tired of hearing about Covid-19 and the coronavirus, so let’s change pace a little and discuss this flu season. Not a great distraction, but relevant. With coronavirus dominating the headlines, it is easy to forget that influenza can be just as miserable. Fortunately, we understand more about treating influenza than we do coronavirus. While there is already vaccines for the flu, dealing with this season can still be challenging. We here at HPFY can help you survive this flu season with hopefully very little discomfort.

Flu Season Already?

Believe it or not, we are already into this year’s flu season. Generally speaking, flu season runs from October and goes all the way through May. Unfortunately, the flu or influenza is relatively common with approximately 3 million people contracting the flu every year in the US. It is commonly transmitted through airborne exposure to particulates expelled from infected individuals. Yes, there is a vaccine but those who contract influenza are usually ill for several days or a week or two. Symptoms of influenza include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can be less severe or more prevalent from individual to individual. Other common issues similar to the flu can include the common cold, pneumonia, and even SARS or swine flu due to similarities in their symptoms.

Minimizing the Flu

Your best defense against influenza is with an annual flu shot. While this cannot guarantee 100% that you will not contract the flu, it can prevent or minimize the symptoms if you should get infected. Most of the time medical intervention is not necessary in treating the flu, but sometimes it can be necessary. Be sure to have a thermometer available to determine if a fever is present. Often antiviral medication can be prescribed if the virus is caught early enough or treating the symptoms later may be the course of action. Antihistamines and cough suppressants can be combined with plenty of fluids and rest to beat influenza. Eight great options for dealing with and easing symptoms can include:

• Proactive Protekt ProTemp Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer: This noncontact thermometer can give accurate readings with a push of a button. It’s temperature range is 93.2°F-109.4°F (34°C-43°C) and can allow you to take temperature readings without waking the patient.
• Johnson & Johnson Zyrtec Allergy Antihistamine Tablet: The flu can present respiratory congestion and this antihistamine can provide 24 hours of relief from upper respiratory congestion and runny noses. This is suitable for those six years of age and older and starts working within one hour.
• McKesson sunmark mastic Chest Congestion Liquid: A non-drowsy, alcohol free liquid to treat coughs and congestion due to respiratory issues can be a big relief. This decongestant liquid provides users with the expectorant Guaifenesin to treat coughs and chest congestion.
• Kaz Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer with Safety Light: The steam vapors from this vaporizer can help with relieving respiratory symptoms for up to 10 hours. It can treat symptoms from colds and the flu with a medicine cup for relief when used with liquid inhalants. Sleep is incredibly important for recovery from influenza, so sleeping well is amazingly critical for quick recovery.

• McKesson Allergy Antihistamine Tablet: This latex free, chlorpheniramine maleate formula can help with an itchy throat and runny nose associated with influenza. By treating the symptoms, you can start breathing and feeling better while your body recovers from the flu.
• Mucinex Guaifenesin Cold and Cough Relief Tablets: The ability to loosen phlegm in the upper respiratory area can help sufferers cough and clear congestion in their bronchial passageways. This can make your coughs more productive and the tablets contain the expectorant Guaifenesin while being alcohol free.
• Motrin IB Ibuprofen Pain Reliever Caplets: In order to reduce fever while suffering from the flu, this ibuprofen caplet can help bring down fever associated with influenza. One caplet every 4-6 hours is directed for those 12 years or older. If fever does not respond, 2 caplets can be taken.
• Abbott Pedialyte Liquid Ready to Use Electrolyte Solution: Dehydration can be a real issue with those suffering from the flu. The electrolytes our body needs can be replaced by this electrolyte solution if vomiting or diarrhea is prevalent. The balanced electrolytes and flavor promotes replacement and maintenance requirements, including glucose, sodium, and water absorption.

Right now the coronavirus has the headlines, but every year at this time influenza loves to show up and crash the party. It is possible to fight this common affliction with the flu shot but surviving the symptoms (if you get infected) can be a multifaceted attack. Dealing with nausea, a fever, coughing, and congestion is not pleasant but can be managed. With a little bit of rest and plenty of liquids you will be back on your feet in no time!!

 

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