The flu
Well it appears the flu ha**** hard, at least in Monmouth County NJ. If it hasn't gotten to you guys yet, I have a feeling it will very shortly. A few things: (based on a very small population study at our hospital over the past week)
A) The flu vaccine appears to not be effective against the strain that is popping up (if you didn't know, the flu vac is based on a combination of strains found in china 9mos-12mos AGO, so if the virus mutates or a different one comes across, the vac is worthless) This based on multiple cases of people who are testing positive for the flu who did indeed get their flu shot.
B) Yes, there is an actual TEST for the flu. It's not always diagnosed based soley on symptoms. However, that is common place.
C) AT THE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS there is a prescription for "Tamiflu" Must be taken within I believe 24 hours of onset. Supposedly helps to have the virus run it's course a little faster, lessening the symptoms.
D) Antibiotics will NOT help the flu. If it is the true viral "flu", antibiotics will do bubkas. You can only treat the symptoms, not the disease.
Things to do:
1) Tylenol EVERY 4-6 hours. INCLUDING at night! That will be the only way to help with the fever and body aches and chills. (Pre surg can take ibuprofin/advil as well. And yes, you can take BOTH. Tylenol every 4 hours, motrin every six. Take the motrin before bed as it lasts longer) Take the meds 1-2 doses AFTER the fever is gone. When the fever breaks you will notice feeling hot, sweaty. Normal. Change your clothes, though! If your clothes are sweaty and even with the mild weather, you will get chilled quickly.
2) For congestion: Use an EXPECTORANT such as mucinex. Do not take a cough suppressent unless it is a very dry cough and you begin to have muscle pain in your chest from coughing. You want the expectorant to help get the junk out of your lungs (Dry cough = NO phlegm)
3) Nasal Congestion: Do not use an antihistamine. Rather, use a decongestant. Again, the decongestant helps to break things up and allows you to get it out. Antihistamine just dries it up so you feel better, but you are not getting rid of the stuff holding the virus.
4) FLUID FLUID FLUID. Hard enough for us to do regularly, but even more important now. You will dehydrate with a fever quickly. Also, increased fluid helps to thin the secretions in your head and chest, so it's easier to bring up.
5) REST. This course is apparantly taking anywhere from 3-7 DAYS. And you need to rest as much as possible. I know it's not feasible (hell I had the fever last night and am going back to work so here's the pot calling the kettle black) all the time, but try.
If you are FEVER FREE for 24 hours (without tylenol or motrin) and then you get the fever back, please see your doctor. It may be a "rebound" BACTERIAL infection which will require antibiotics.
Wash your hands OFTEN. Best defense. Make sure you take your vitamins. Extra vitamin C can never hurt a person (it is excreted in the urine, so as long as you are hydrated, it will come out) so I believe taking an extra 500mg-1000mg a day is fine, especially if you are feeling a little under the weather. It does help kick the immune system into gear.
Stay healthy all!
Pam
A) The flu vaccine appears to not be effective against the strain that is popping up (if you didn't know, the flu vac is based on a combination of strains found in china 9mos-12mos AGO, so if the virus mutates or a different one comes across, the vac is worthless) This based on multiple cases of people who are testing positive for the flu who did indeed get their flu shot.
B) Yes, there is an actual TEST for the flu. It's not always diagnosed based soley on symptoms. However, that is common place.
C) AT THE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS there is a prescription for "Tamiflu" Must be taken within I believe 24 hours of onset. Supposedly helps to have the virus run it's course a little faster, lessening the symptoms.
D) Antibiotics will NOT help the flu. If it is the true viral "flu", antibiotics will do bubkas. You can only treat the symptoms, not the disease.
Things to do:
1) Tylenol EVERY 4-6 hours. INCLUDING at night! That will be the only way to help with the fever and body aches and chills. (Pre surg can take ibuprofin/advil as well. And yes, you can take BOTH. Tylenol every 4 hours, motrin every six. Take the motrin before bed as it lasts longer) Take the meds 1-2 doses AFTER the fever is gone. When the fever breaks you will notice feeling hot, sweaty. Normal. Change your clothes, though! If your clothes are sweaty and even with the mild weather, you will get chilled quickly.
2) For congestion: Use an EXPECTORANT such as mucinex. Do not take a cough suppressent unless it is a very dry cough and you begin to have muscle pain in your chest from coughing. You want the expectorant to help get the junk out of your lungs (Dry cough = NO phlegm)
3) Nasal Congestion: Do not use an antihistamine. Rather, use a decongestant. Again, the decongestant helps to break things up and allows you to get it out. Antihistamine just dries it up so you feel better, but you are not getting rid of the stuff holding the virus.
4) FLUID FLUID FLUID. Hard enough for us to do regularly, but even more important now. You will dehydrate with a fever quickly. Also, increased fluid helps to thin the secretions in your head and chest, so it's easier to bring up.
5) REST. This course is apparantly taking anywhere from 3-7 DAYS. And you need to rest as much as possible. I know it's not feasible (hell I had the fever last night and am going back to work so here's the pot calling the kettle black) all the time, but try.
If you are FEVER FREE for 24 hours (without tylenol or motrin) and then you get the fever back, please see your doctor. It may be a "rebound" BACTERIAL infection which will require antibiotics.
Wash your hands OFTEN. Best defense. Make sure you take your vitamins. Extra vitamin C can never hurt a person (it is excreted in the urine, so as long as you are hydrated, it will come out) so I believe taking an extra 500mg-1000mg a day is fine, especially if you are feeling a little under the weather. It does help kick the immune system into gear.
Stay healthy all!
Pam
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
ross is just getting over it -- and i think i'm starting -- would love to stay home today but i have 2 finals today -- so it's off to school i go --and since i'm out i might as well go to work tonight too
thanks for sharing the tips!! not many know how to how to treat the flu :)
take care
roberta
Ross & Roberta Cassety Ross - Open RNY 5/22/06 - 373/194 - BCBS Horizon NJ
Roberta - Open RNY 11/22/06 - 228/126- Aetna QPOS
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