Flu Season
This week, we find ourselves right in the peak of flu season. Luckily, it looks as though the particular strains of flu going around this year are fairly mild.
Of course, if you are currently suffering through the body aches, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms of the flu, it may not feel like a mild flu season. Here are a few recommendations to help get you back to health if you are feeling down.
FULL STORY:
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are among those at high risk for complications of the flu, it's best to check with your doctor. People at high risk for complications include those who are 65 years or older, those who have chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.
Tests can determine if you have the flu - if you're tested within the first 2 to 3 days of illness.
A doctor's exam can also identify whether you have the flu or a more serious complication. Flu can often be complicated by pneumonia, and when it is, it should be treated aggressively. When secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, are not present, antibiotic therapy is of no help in the treatment of the flu, and should be avoided. You should also never give aspirin to children or teenagers with the flu, as serious side effects could potentially occur. If fever spikes uncomfortably high, Tylenol or cool sponge baths should help.
It is particularly important to drink lots of liquids to maintain hydration during acute illness, especially if diarrhea or vomiting occur. Many people use sugary sports drinks or fruit juice for this purpose; I prefer a nourishing clear vegetable broth or minimally sweetened vitamin and mineral drinks like Emergen-C.
Many traditional herbal treatments have been shown to be effective to treat acute infection. Elderberry syrup, sold in the U.S. as Sambucol, is one of my favorites, especially for children, who enjoy the flavor. Researchers have found it to be both safe and effective. Take one tablespoon four times daily, one and a half teaspoons four times daily for children. Start at the first sign of illness for the best results.
If you have a sore throat, try boiling 4 tablespoons marshmallow root (you can buy this in bulk from many healthfood stores) in 2 quarts of water for a half-hour or until the liquid gets thick and syrupy. Cool, strain, and mix with 4 tablespoons of honey. Use 1 teaspoon at a time as needed until your symptoms improve.
Keep in mind that you can spread infection from the day before symptoms start until about five days after getting sick. Obviously, you can't do much about the day before symptoms start, but try to minimize social interaction and get plenty of rest in the period after getting sick. The extra rest should get you back up and running in a matter of days.
Related Topics: References:
Of course, if you are currently suffering through the body aches, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms of the flu, it may not feel like a mild flu season. Here are a few recommendations to help get you back to health if you are feeling down.
FULL STORY:
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are among those at high risk for complications of the flu, it's best to check with your doctor. People at high risk for complications include those who are 65 years or older, those who have chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.
Tests can determine if you have the flu - if you're tested within the first 2 to 3 days of illness.
A doctor's exam can also identify whether you have the flu or a more serious complication. Flu can often be complicated by pneumonia, and when it is, it should be treated aggressively. When secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, are not present, antibiotic therapy is of no help in the treatment of the flu, and should be avoided. You should also never give aspirin to children or teenagers with the flu, as serious side effects could potentially occur. If fever spikes uncomfortably high, Tylenol or cool sponge baths should help.
It is particularly important to drink lots of liquids to maintain hydration during acute illness, especially if diarrhea or vomiting occur. Many people use sugary sports drinks or fruit juice for this purpose; I prefer a nourishing clear vegetable broth or minimally sweetened vitamin and mineral drinks like Emergen-C.
Many traditional herbal treatments have been shown to be effective to treat acute infection. Elderberry syrup, sold in the U.S. as Sambucol, is one of my favorites, especially for children, who enjoy the flavor. Researchers have found it to be both safe and effective. Take one tablespoon four times daily, one and a half teaspoons four times daily for children. Start at the first sign of illness for the best results.If you have a sore throat, try boiling 4 tablespoons marshmallow root (you can buy this in bulk from many healthfood stores) in 2 quarts of water for a half-hour or until the liquid gets thick and syrupy. Cool, strain, and mix with 4 tablespoons of honey. Use 1 teaspoon at a time as needed until your symptoms improve.
Keep in mind that you can spread infection from the day before symptoms start until about five days after getting sick. Obviously, you can't do much about the day before symptoms start, but try to minimize social interaction and get plenty of rest in the period after getting sick. The extra rest should get you back up and running in a matter of days.
Related Topics: References:
- Kinmonth AL, Fulton Y, Campbell MJ. Management of feverish children at home. BMJ. 1992 Nov 7;305(6862):1134-6.
- Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40.
- Basch E, Ulbricht C, Hammerness P, Vora M. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) monograph. J Herb Pharmacother. 2003;3(3):71-81.
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4 Comments:
For like the past couple of weeks I have been expirencing a very bad cough. It starts out like I swolled fluid and it went down the wrong pipe, then I begin to cough to where I end up throwing up nothing but white clear liquid. Its almost as if I drank a Sprite soda and I just threw up the acid. I also choke like Im going to vomit. After a while it stops and then anywhere from 15 to 20 mins later it starts all over again.
Pleasce help me figure out what is happening cause I can't take this any longer.
Signed,
CoughRelief
I've been throwing up about every half hour, i feel weak, nauseated, and cold. I think I may have the flu, but I don't know for sure. Can you help me?
Anonymous:
You need to see your health provider for a diagnosis. The internet is great for information, but diagnoses need to be made in-person.
Hietter:
Try using our Symptom Checker or a search on "flu" for more information.
For the last three weeks, i have been throwing nothing but clear liquid....i took a pregnancy test but it came back negative,after i throw up i feel weak and tired...please help want my life back
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