No need to freak out over the flu!

Chances are, if you are not newborn, an elderly person, or have a compromised immune system; you will not die from the flu. Actually no one dies from the flu; they die because of complications of the flu like electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

The swine flu is not so different from other flu viruses. The symptoms you may experience from this flu are as follows:

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Fever

Dehydration

Chills

Lethargy

If you should get the flu you will need to treat the symptoms for comfort and good health.

One of the most important issues to remember is that you loose a lot of fluids when sick with the flu. Increased sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause you to become dehydrated.

You must replace your lost fluids. Sipping on water, ice, popsicles, Gatorade, Pedialyte, or ANY FLUID that you can hold down will be helpful. Even if you vomit up the fluid in 5 minutes, some of the ingested fluid will stay in your body. So keep drinking!

If you have a headache or a fever, take some Tylenol or Motrin for comfort. (Do not take these medications if you are allergic or have had problems with these meds before.)

Cool your body with tepid water if you have a high fever. If chills occur and you begin to shiver, dry your body immediately. Shivering will cause the body temperature to go up.

For vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea ask your doctor for a prescription to lesson these symptoms. If that is not possible remember to stay hydrated and get some Kaopectate, or Pepto-Bismol. Of course do not take these meds if you are allergic to them.

Listen to your body. If you feel tired, then sleep.

The flu virus is air borne. Wearing a mask will decrease the amount of air borne virus particles in the air. Also, by wearing a mask when you do not have the flu can protect you from breathing in the virus.

Major health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) agree that hand washing and hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based hand rub are especially critical to minimize the spread of germs during times of illness outbreak.

The CDC recommends:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If you or someone in your household is in a high risk category, then take extra precautions to prevent  spreading the virus.

Remember antibiotics do not kill viruses. Do not take antibiotics unless you have a bacterial infection.

Keep in mind that this flu lasts for 24 to 72 hours.

Good luck! No need to freak out! Just get better!

Tags: flu, flu symptoms, flu treatment, swine flu