What is the flu?

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).

A nasty virus: "flu" is often applied to any virus kids get, (like "stomach flu") but specifically it refers to influenza virus, a respiratory virus that causes cough, fever, fatigue, vomiting, and sometimes lower respiratory issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. There can be a high fever, chills, and dehydration lasting 3-4 days, and a week or two of fatigue afterwards. Only protection is vaccination.

Flu: If you have the Flu hydrate well w water, herbal teas, soup or juice. Drink sufficiently to have pale to light yellow urine. You can use pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or NSAID’s. Rest A LOT! In some situations antiviral medications (Tamiflu, Relenza, Flumadine) may be prescribed within the first couple of days of symptoms to hasten healing or they can be used after flu exposure to prevent illness.

General precautions : Priority one is keeping it to yourself! please do not go to work until you are better. While home, hydrate with water and treat your symptoms so you can rest well. Keep your hands washed/sanitized also. Next year, try to get the flu shot early in the pre-season. Remember, it's a virus and it's around so, don't feel too badly that you caught it.

If you get it:: If you have the flu hydrate well w water, herbal teas, soup or juice. Drink sufficiently to have pale to light yellow urine. You can use pain relievers like tylenol (acetaminophen) or nsaid’s. Rest a lot! in some situations antiviral medications (tamiflu, relenza, flumadine) may be prescribed within the first couple of days of symptoms to hasten healing or they can be used after flu exposure to prevent illness.

Depends on cause...: A cold caused by cold viruses is usually left alone, or one can try over-the-counter cold medications. The flu caused by influenza viruses is treated by antiviral drugs and cold medications. A sore throat is tested to see if it is strep throat. If strep, antibiotics are needed (if not strep, the sore throat may be due to "cold viruses" or another cause). This all may mean seeing a doctor.

Some thoughts...: If it's Flu A or Flu B, a doctor might use Tamiflu. If it's a cold virus, there are no useful antivirals. Some people take extra vitamin C (may upset the stomach) and some take extra zinc (most lozenges have lots of sugar) but how much these things help is uncertain. Avoiding overexertion is wise. Anti-inflammatories like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can lessen symptoms. Adequate rest is helpful.