For those who have managed to avoid the flu, first things first – congratulations. But don’t celebrate too much just yet because according to health officials, flu season hasn’t really peaked yet.
This season, the flu has been categorized as an epidemic, and many are taking proper precautions to avoid the fever, headache, runny nose, fatigue, cough, muscle aches and sore throat associated with the illness.
At Recorder press time, state health officials are now reporting 40 deaths due to flu-related illness in Indiana. The overwhelming majority of the deaths, 33, have occurred in individuals older than 65 years. By comparison, Indiana had no flu-related deaths during the 2011-2012 season and three deaths in the 2010-2011 flu season.
Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Public Health Department and an infectious disease physician, and State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin M.D. said the best way to fight the flu is to get a flu shot. No shortage of flu vaccine is being reported, but health officials say there are reports of some locations temporarily depleting their supply due to the current high demand. A flu vaccine locator can be found at StateHealth.in.gov.
Marion County residents can also call the health department’s Flu Hotline at (317) 221-2121, or visit MCHD.com to check on availability.
Despite this, many are creating “flu survival kits” to keep in the home to prepare for flu on the horizon. Here are a few tips to help create your own flu survival kit to help you and your family fight the disease, remain comfortable while at home sick and help get you back on your feet sooner.
Fever and pain relievers
– Pick up: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen (Aleve)
– What they do/how to use them: All three types of medicine help reduce fever and pain from muscle aches that can accompany flu. For generally healthy adults with flu, alternate Tylenol with either ibuprofen and naproxen throughout the day (but not alternating between ibuprofen and naproxen, since they work the same way.) Pay heed to the manufacturers’ warnings about maximum doses.
Cold remedies
– Pick up: an expectorant (which contains the ingredient guaifenesin); a suppressant (which contains the ingredient dextromethorphan); and cough drops.
– What they do/how to use them: Expectorant cough remedies should be used when you have chest congestion and are trying to cough it out. Suppressant cough remedies are best to use when the cough is dry and you have no mucus. Menthol cough drops can help soothe throat soreness.
Stuffy nose aids
– Pick up: Saline nasal sprays (nonmedicated) and oxymetazoline (medicated) nasal sprays such as Afrin or NeoSnyephrine.
– What they do/how to use them: Saline nasal sprays can help clear out the nose and the stuffiness. Medicated nasal sprays can be used by healthy adults, but no more than three days of use.
Decongestants
– Pick up: pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Contac) and phenylephrine (such as Sudafed).
– What they do/how to use them: Decongestants help in your surviving-the-flu efforts by narrowing blood vessels in the nose lining, reducing blood flow to the area and allowing swollen tissue to shrink and air to flow more easily.
Thermometer
– Pick up: a standard mercury thermometer, a digital oral or ear thermometer, or, for infants, a rectal thermometer.
– What to know/how to use them: Taking your temperature can help you keep tabs on your fever. For better accuracy, don’t take your temperature right after drinking hot or cold liquids.
Fluids to stay hydrated
– Pick up: tap water, bottled water, sports-rehydrating drinks, children’s rehydrating drinks such as Pedialyte, ginger ale, flat soda, and chicken soup.
– What to know/how to take them: When you are battling the flu, aim to drink enough fluids to make your urine clear or light yellow, which indicates proper hydration. Stay away from milk and orange juice because with the flu you tend to have nausea and milk and citrus drinks can aggravate nausea. Also, keep track of your fluid intake.
Note: Beware of over medicating. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about proper dosages of medications.
Source: Webmd.com.
Stop the spread of the flu
Clean. Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
Cover. Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue.
Contain. Stay home from school/work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.
