We're sick with Influenza

Up until now I haven't been much of a proponent for flu shots, but boy have I changed my mind. Chase caught the flu last weekend and ended up in the hospital again because he was having trouble breathing. It turns out he has asthma, which we didn't know until now. So he is at high risk for flu complications in the future. The rest of us have all caught the bug, and I tell you I was sicker than sick yesterday and in bed. I don't ever remember feeling so awful! I had every symptom in the book: body aches, fever, nasal congestion and runny nose, watery eyes, ear pressure, extremely sore throat, cough (which didn't help the sore throat), mucus in my lungs, yep everything except a stomach ache. YOU DO NOT WANT TO CATCH THIS! And to top it off both Amelie and Sawyer now have it so I can't even have anyone watch them so I can stay in bed. And Rick is at the hospital with Chase. My sweet sisters have subjected themselves to getting sick in order to help me out. I pray they won't get it. So far Rick is the only symptom-free one, but that could turn around. Anyway, my point is...from now on we are all getting flu shots! I'd much rather deal with a little shot and sore arm than a week of this crap. Chase for sure will have to have one from now on, and I'm going to get one just to prevent myself from getting sick because I can't take care of sick kids if I'm on my death bed.

I've read a little about influenza and here's what I've learned. Maybe it can help you:

What is influenza. A highly contagious infection of the nose, throat & lungs caused by a virus.

Types of flu. Influenza A usually arrives druing winter and spring, has worse symptoms, and include H1N1, and H1N2, and H2N3. This virus is the fastest at mutating. Influenza B can appear at any time of the year and is usually milder than A. It mutates slower than A but still fast enough that you cannot have lasting immunity to it. Influenza C viruses are generally mild and not thought to cause large epidemics. It is the slowest mutating of the three.

How do you catch it? By breathing in a cough or sneeze from someone with the virus, or by touching something with the virus on it then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. So make sure you

• don't breathe in a cough or sneeze from someone sick
• don't touch your face with your hands
• wash your hands often
• get a flu vaccine.

Symptoms. Appear usually 2-3 days after exposure.
FIRST SYMPTOMS ARE...
body aches
chills
fever/headache
flushed face
dizziness
vomiting
lack of energy
AFTER A COUPLE DAYS OTHER SYMPTOMS SET IN...
cough
sore throat
clear runny nose and sneezing

Difference between a cold and flu. Colds and flu share similar symptoms, but most people get colds several times a year, but only get the flu once every few years.
Common Cold Symptoms are hacking productive cough, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat, mild aches, tiredness and mild chest discomfort. Rare cold symptoms include fever, chills, and headache. All cold symptoms usually set in within 6 hrs.
Common Flu Symptoms are fever, severe aches, chills, severe tiredness, dry unproductive cough, chest discomfort, and headache. Rare symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose & sore throat. All flu symptoms can take a few days to show up.

Who is most at risk for complications with flu?

• people over 50
• pregnant women
• babies between 6mo-2yrs
• people with chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions
• diabetes or weakened immune system

Complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, ear or sinus infections, encephalitis (brain infection)

Treatment.

• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen help with fever and aches.
• Over-the-counter cough medicine and cough drops help with cough and sore throat.
• Rest and drink lots of clear fluids.
• Antiviral medication. If your symptoms are severe or you are at risk for severe symptoms, a doctor can prescribe an antiviral med like Tamiflu or Relenza. They work best if taken within the first 2 days of symptom onset.

I HOPE THIS HELPS AND THAT NONE OF YOU CATCH THIS NASTY THING!