Nurse’s Corner

Flu season is upon us, so here is some helpful information about the flu to help minimize its impact.

Are you or someone in your family suffering from fever, chills, and body aches? With the flu, it’s best to act within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

Flu Symptoms

What you thought was just a little cold could be the flu, especially if you have fever, chills, or aches, or if you feel extremely tired. Whenever you think you have the flu, talk to your doctor about treatment right away. Treating the flu virus at its source may help limit its ability to spread in your body.

Primary symptoms

Fever (100°F or greater)
A fever occurs when your body temperature increases in response to illness or injury. Your temperature is considered elevated when it is 100°F or greater.
Muscle aches
Body aches that are sudden and unexplained can be a sign of the flu.
Chills
Body chills not related to a cold environment can be a sign of the flu.
Extreme fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. When associated with one or more of the other symptoms, this can be a sign of the flu.

Fever 100°F+

Muscle aches

Chills

Extreme fatigue

The onset of influenza is sudden: people describe feeling like they've "been hit by a truck." Fever, muscle aches and pains, and chills are common influenza clues and help differentiate influenza from other common respiratory viral infections, such as a cold.

Seasonal Influenza: Flu Basics

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Ways you can help stop the spread of influenza and other diseases by doing the following things:

If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.
Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

Remember, there are antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness. They can make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia.

Also, there is 5 Natural Ways to Fight the Flu

1. Echinacea-can break down phlegm & help reduce fever by cooling body temperature.

2. Elderberry-is rich in antioxidants, which can reduce a fever.

3. Ginger-warms the body, thus alleviating flu-induced chills, and helps with digestion.

4. Lavender-can deter infection. To reduce congestion, add 2 drops of tea tree oil & 1 drop lavender oil to a cup of water bring to a boil & inhale the vapors.

5. Thyme-contains oil that is anti-viral.

Proven Steps to STAY HEALTHY this Flu Season

*Wash Your Hands

*Exercise

* Eat Healthy

*Take Immune Support Vitamins: zinc, selenium, C, D, E, & Beta-Carotene

*Relax & Reduce Stress

MORE WAYS TO BOOST IMMUNITY & STAVE OFF THE FLU

Prioritize Happiness: immunity isn’t just about organs & cells, it’s about a strong mental component, experts say. Stress & depression can lower immunity, so to help nudge the needle on your personal mood meter in a positive direction, practice happiness. Devoting time to pursuits that make you feel calm, fulfilled, and at your best, such as a rewarding hobby, socializing w/friends, spending time w/your pet, or practicing what helps you unwind & relax such as yoga, or a nice walk, will all boost your happiness, and thus boost your immune system.

Add Color To Your Plate: Because plants can’t run away from invaders, they have to develop their own immunity, so they use phytochemicals , which give fruits & veggies their rich colors to fight off invaders. The more colors you eat, the more boosted your immunity will be to fight off the flu bugs. Make sure emphasis is placed on “red” colored produce such as tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit. Don’t forget the red-purples, grapes, pomegranates, and blueberries. Also, the orange colored produce such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes are packed with immune boosting properties. Don’t forget the orange-yellows as well, which include oranges, papayas, and nectarines. The yellow-greens include lettuces, but not iceberg, it has no nutritional value, peas and avocadoes however along with the dark green lettuces really pack a punch to flu bugs. The green produce include kale, broccoli, and cabbage, and these are the heavy hitters that can really knock out the flu bug. Finally, white-green produce such as celery, pears and endives help boost the immune system as well.

Avoid cold, raw foods in the cold, winter months

Stay Healthy & Happy!

The following documents are for your use.

Attachments: