Got your flu shot? How else can you protect against the flu?

10/16/2014

By Jennifer Smith, APRN
Siloam Springs Internal Medicine

As we move into October, flu (influenza) shots come to mind. No one wants to get the flu. But with some extra hand-washing and a flu shot, you can improve your chances of avoiding the flu or a cold this season.

Often, it’s hard to tell if you have a cold or the flu. About one to four days after the virus is contracted, flu symptoms usually begin. One way to tell is to look at your symptoms.

Flu symptoms

• High fever – This can be from 100 degrees to 102 degrees or higher and last for three to four days; the H1N1 strain, however, sometimes does not have a fever.
• Chills and sweats may occur.
• Headache – It can come on suddenly and be severe.
• Fatigue – This can be severe to moderate and last for two to three weeks; may occur suddenly.
• Dry cough – This can become severe and last for weeks.
• Runny or stuffy nose – Sometimes this occurs with the flu, but is more common with a cold.
• Muscle aches – This is common with the flu especially in the back, arms and legs; it may be severe.
• Sore throat – This occurs sometimes with the flu, but is more common with a cold.
• Chest discomfort – This may be severe.
• Loss of appetite may occur.
• Vomiting and diarrhea also may occur.

Flu tips

• For seniors – Because the immune system weakens as people age, adults ages 65 and older are more susceptible to the flu. It’s important to get a flu shot. There are two options: the regular dose flu shot and the high-dose shot resulting in a stronger immune response. Talk to your health care provider to decide which one is right for you.
• Avoid close contact – Avoid having close contact with those that are sick or when you are sick. Keep your distance to reduce the risk of spreading the illness.
• Stay home – Whether it’s work, school or running errands, if you have the flu – it’s better to stay home. To prevent infecting others, it is recommended to stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours (whichever is longer).
• Cover your mouth and nose – When coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or the crook of your arm. Do not use your hands.
• Clean hands – Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to wash your hands often and long.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Healthy habits – Eating a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly are key to fighting the flu.

Medications
Treating flu symptoms can be a daunting task. But there are medications available by prescription to treat symptoms and help reduce the possibility of serious complications. You also may feel better, faster.

• For mild cases of the flu: Plenty of rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicines can help symptoms. Medications will not prevent you from spreading the flu.
• For fevers and aches: Acetaminophen (Tylenol); or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin); or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may help. Those with kidney disease or stomach problems should ask their physician before taking NSAIDS.
• Don’t double dose on medications: Always check ingredients on the package before taking medication to see if it already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Sometimes, a bacterial infection may occur. If so, an antibiotic may be prescribed by your health care provider.

Keep your hands clean
Forgetting to wash your hands can spread germs to others and yourself. Remember, don’t sneeze or cough into your hands. Try to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you do not have a tissue. Don’t put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands if they are dirty and always before eating.
Wash hands before and during preparing food; before eating; before caring for someone who is sick; and before treating a cut or wound.
Also, wash hands after preparing food; caring for someone who is sick; treating a cut or wound; using the restroom; changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the restroom; blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste; touching garbage.

Jennifer Smith, advanced practice registered nurse, is a local provider at Siloam Springs Internal Medicine. She is a board-certified adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. This certification allows her to provide advanced care to meet the needs of young adults, older adults and the elderly with complex acute or chronic health conditions. Smith is now accepting new patients at Siloam Springs Internal Medicine located at 1101-1 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs.

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