Question 1

what is the flu?

Accepted Answer

Viral infection: Flu or influenza is a contagious viral infection that generally occurs in the winter.  It is a respiratory virus that generally makes children sicker that a typical cold.  Complications as ear infections and pneumonia are common.  Fortunately an immunization can help prevent this illness.  Symptoms often include fever, coughing, and malaise (aching all over).

Question 2

what is the flu medicine called oscillococcinum made of?

Accepted Answer

Oscillococcinum: Oscillococcinum  is reported to contain extract of Muscovy Duck liver and heart.

Question 3

to what extent is the flu vaccines for children and newborns that will be around the child considered safe?

Accepted Answer

VERY SAFE: The influenza vaccine is very safe for children and is recommended for all children over 6 months of age.  It is especially important to immunize children and adults who have close contact with newborns to help protect them, as they are too young for the vaccine and are very vulnarable to influenza.

Question 4

what is effective against the flu?

Accepted Answer

Depends on timing: You usually just have to wait it out, treating the symptoms when they occur.  Anti-influenza drugs can shorten the duration, but only if started right away.

Question 5

what is different about the flu vaccine from one year to the next?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Each year the mixture of the flu strains used for the vaccine is different so you have to be vaccinated each year.  This is more information from the cdc.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_intradermal-vaccine.htm.

Question 6

what is the best flu medicine?

Accepted Answer

If you are seen: Within 24-48 hrs of the onset of symptoms, tamiflu (oseltamivir) would be recommended as an anti viral drug to cut the duration of symptoms and infection. Otherwise, lots of fluid, antiinflammatories, bed rest, soup, lots of rest.

Question 7

what is the duration of the flu in healthy people?

Accepted Answer

One week: If last more or have risk factors consult your doctor.
Those with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, or kidneys (asthma, cystic fibrosis are examples)
pregnant women
people with obesity or diabetes
anyone who is HIV positive or has aids
residents of nursing homes and other facilities
elderly people (older than 65 years of age).

Question 8

what is the difference between the flu and mono?

Accepted Answer

Different viruses: Flu is caused by strains of influenza virus; mono is a clinical picture due to infection with epstein barr virus and sometimes with cytomegalovirus.

Question 9

what is the stomach flu feel like?

Accepted Answer

Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is no fun!  vomiting and diarrhea are the hallmark.  Some have fever, too.  Clear liquids with calories, electrolytes are best to avoid dehydration.  Start with small sips every 10", advance as tolerated.  Avoid spicy, greasy foods and dairy.  A bland brat diet is a good place to start.  (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).

Question 10

i want to know what is the difference between the flu and a virus that has flu like symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Different viruses: The differences are that they are caused by different species of viruses that can have common symptoms but can have different frequencies and severities of complications.  Influenza, parainfluenza, RSV and coronaviruses all can present with identical symptoms.

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What is the flu

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What is the flu?

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What is the flu medicine called oscillococcinum made of?

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To what extent is the flu vaccines for children and newborns that will be around the child considered safe?

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What is effective against the flu?

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What is different about the flu vaccine from one year to the next?

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What is the best flu medicine?

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What is the duration of the flu in healthy people?

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What is the difference between the flu and mono?

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What is the stomach flu feel like?

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I want to know what is the difference between the flu and a virus that has flu like symptoms?

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