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Being cold or chilled does not make us more susceptible to theflu. Severe chills are one of the symptoms of the flu, whichmakes people believe that they somehow "caught a chill" that ledto the illness. Using medicine to keep the fever down does not help us get overthe illness. In fact, studies show that more of the virus isexcreted over a longer period of time when the body temperatureis lowered with medication. You may feel better with suchmedication, but it does not necessarily help you get over thevirus. The "24 hour flu" (characterized by the sudden onset of vomitingand diarrhea, and a feeling of malaise) is not a form of the fluand it is not caused by the influenza virus. It is caused by aninfection of the gastro-intestinal tract and is calledgastroenteritis.
For most of us, getting a flu shot is not a life-or-death matter.If you're leading a healthy life and you get sick with the flu,you're probably going to get through it. Last year, 4 milliondoses of vaccine went unused, even though an alarming earlystrain of influenza emerged and gained attention because severalchildren died from it. Millions of people, who never got vaccinated before are houndingtheir doctors, and complaining bitterly about the shortage. Whatis behind this feverish behavior? Researchers say it is not somuch the flu itself as a sense of feeling unprotected. The vaccine shortage came to light on Oct. 5th when regulatorsshut Chiron Corp.'s labs in Liverpool, England, cutting theexpected U.S. supply by nearly half. However, the existing supplyis roughly equal to the nation's entire supply in 2000. In 1918 influenza killed 40 million people worldwide. But, unlike1918, now there are at least four anti-viral medications that canrelieve the flu's worst effects if taken within 48 hours of theonset of symptoms. Many providers are rationing the vaccine for their neediestpatients. For the rest of us, their advice is simple: Wash yourhands frequently, stay away from someone who does have the flu,and if you do get sick, stay home so you don't infect others. If you do come down with the flu, don't be blasé - the sooner youseek medical advice and/or treatment the better, and you canavoid the worst of the flu's symptoms. _________________________________________________________________ "How To Avoid Getting The Flu" Without Flu Vaccine by Frank Barnhill, M.D. What can you do to avoid getting the flu and even the common coldif you don't want to take flu vaccine or if it's not available? Many of us are searching for ways to answer this question as weexperience a severe shortage of flu vaccine. I've been askeddozens of times in the last week why we can't just manufacturemore flu vaccine over the next two or three weeks. Unfortunately,that's not possible, as the flu virus must be incubated in eggcultures for many weeks before virus proteins can be extracted,treated and processed to make vaccine. Since making more vaccine isn't as simple as putting "cake mix inthe microwave", let's take a look at a few ways to prevent orlessen your exposure to the flu as well as common cold germs andjust possibly keep you from spreading virus particles yourself. In an earlier article we discussed use of a nasal inhaled fluvaccine, "Flu Mist", to immunize those between ages 5 and 49years. Some doctors are reportedly charging as much as $50 a dosefor "Flu Mist" as the supply gets tighter and tighter. Also, thereisn't enough to really adequately immunize everyone. Anotherdrawback is the apparent age restriction that keeps it from beingused in the age groups that need it the most, those under age 4and over age 50. If nasal vaccine is not an option and you don't want to take fluvaccine or it's not available, then we must look to other methodsto stay well during the upcoming flu season: 1. Wash your hands at least 7-8 times per day and after shaking hands or touching the face of another person. Person to person contact is the second most common way disease is spread. 2. Wash your hands in warm soapy water before and after touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Do this consistently every single time to lessen spread of germs! 3. Ask persons with a cough or sneeze to cover their nose and mouth with tissue or a handkerchief since fine mist and water droplets full of virus are coughed into the air for a distance of 2 to 10 feet. These droplets stay suspended in the air for up to 5 minutes after a cough or sneeze. Using their hand to catch it" will not stop spread of most droplets, and of course, you really shouldn't shake their hand afterwards. 4. Aerosol (sneezing and coughing) and body fluid dispersal is the most common way the flu is spread. So, avoid kissing, eating or drinking after others and don't touch another person's sputum or vomit unless you thoroughly wash your hands afterwards . Do not share glasses, eating utensils, straws, plates, toothbrushes or washcloths. Others may have the virus, but not show symptoms of infection. Certainly, you should not copy cat the television candy commercial and share false teeth. 5. Be sure that all used handkerchiefs and washcloths go in the washing machine and tissues go into the trashcan. Once tissues are disposed, do not touch them again as viruses can live a very long time in tissue paper. 6. Ask your daycare, school, and work place to provide spray or wipe disinfectant to use on telephones, hard toys, counter tops, doorknobs, commode flush handles and seats, and other hard disease adherent surfaces (called fomites) several times a day . Virus particles can survive for hours on such surfaces and if you touch them and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, then, well you get the idea. 7. If you can't wash your hands because you're away from water, then carry antibacterial hand gel and use it often. Caution! You must leave most hand gels on your skin for minimum thirty seconds before wiping off. Otherwise, they don't work well! If you don't have these gels available, rubbing alcohol is an option. These chemicals are not to be used on the face, in the mouth, ears, nose or eyes. 8. Avoid exposure to excessive cold and heat, as abrupt changes in temperature seem to render the linings of your nose, throat, and lungs more susceptible to invasion by germs. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Overdressing for cold can be just as damaging as undressing. 9. Eat healthy, exercise, drink plenty of fluids and take your antioxidant vitamins. Food and water provide the fuel that your body uses to fight off infections. Exercise, Vitamin C and antioxidants are thought to improve your body's resistance and immune system to germs in general. 10. Get at least 7 hours sleep a night. Your body's metabolism works best with adequate rest. Sleep and rest also helps increase your immune systems ability to fight infections. 11. Last but not least, avoid persons who are sick if possible and if you're that person, stay home instead of giving the infection to everyone at work, school, daycare and church. Make your workplace the ideal healthy place to work! 12. Ok, I know, I said 11 was the last, but not least. So, here's the least: consider wearing a surgical mask when you have a cough or sneeze. Some oriental cultures do so out of respect for others! I hope all of these uncommon tips will help you and your lovedones stay well during this upcoming flu season. Please share thiswith your family, friends and those with whom you work so we canhelp everyone have a great healthy winter. You have my permissionto reprint and distribute this educational article as long as itis copied in its entirety. Dr. Frankmailto:drfrank@drhuggiebear.com ----- www.drhuggiebear.com is your source for uncommonsensemedical information on ADHD and behavior disorders.Our free monthly newsletters also include topics that giveyou an edge in helping care for you and your family.subscribe@drhuggiebear.com
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There is no evidence to show that physical activity prolongs theduration or severity of the flu; or that inactivity will cure youfaster either. In fact, moderate exercise can boost the immunesystem and help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. However,it makes sense to not overdo exercise when you are feeling lessthan par, or when you are running a fever. If you arecontemplating exercising while fighting off the flu, it isimportant, above all, to listen to your body, and to do only asmuch as it seems to tolerate well.
