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Taming of the Flu |
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| Every bone in your body aches, most of all your head. One minute you're putting on an extra sweater, the next, you're stripping down to your tee shirt. You're starting to cough and your throat hurts. Do you have the flu? And if you do, what exactly does that mean? |
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If you do have the flu, you join as many as 90 million others all across the country, which are also so "blessed." Here are some flu facts to hopefully make you feel better...or at least smarter!
Flu is the common name for influenza, a virus that attacks the respiratory system.
How can you tell if what's laying you low is the flu or a cold?
Symptoms that are rare in colds...fever, exhaustion, headaches...are prominent in the flu. If your nose is stuffed up and you're sneezing, chances are it's a cold. A dry cough, along with fatigue and aches and pains that also last for what seems like forever are also signs of the flu.
You can kill 99.9% of the viruses on your hand when you cough by wiping down "high touch" areas like the phone, doorknobs, desks, keyboards with disinfectant.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) can help relieve your fever and achiness. Avoid aspirin. Antibiotics don't work on viruses so they can't cure the flu.
To cut down your chances of catching the flu virus, avoid crowds whenever possible. Wash your hands frequently. Get plenty of rest. Eat a healthy diet. Dress appropriately for the weather. Ask your doctor about getting a flu shot. |
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