Well, the little one has the flu. He is barking like a seal and running a slight fever. Ofcourse, I kept him home from school today and he is hold up on the couch watching noggin and I am eating Airborne like a mad woman! His case is mild, luckily he and his daddy had the vaccine. I had a couple of shops I needed to do today but checked my paperwork and they can hold off until tomorrow, which means I will have to get someone to cover for me at work. Not likely but oh well. His first school field trip is Thursday and he is determined not to miss it. They are going to the Paramount to see The Ant and The Elephant.
In honor of flu season, I thought we could share a few flu facts.
What is the Flu?
The flu, more scientifically known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus usually enters the body through mucus membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus then becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby.
On average in the United States each year: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from the flu.
Yikes!
What Are Flu Symptoms?
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur but are more common in children than adults
Check, check and check! Crappers! Here is a neat symptom checker for adults, adolescents and small children. You can print it when you are done and take it to the doctor with you.
Here is a flu tracker. Input your zip code and know when the flu is in your area!
Evan's main symptom and one we can't seem to get under control is a constant non productive cough. Cough medicine isn't touching it. So, I decided to google some home remedies and have decided I like this one.I really like tip #7. "Build a strong immune system in summer, before the cold, wet season starts. Daily swimming in cold water or short cold showers following a hot shower are excellent to build up resistance to bacteria and viruses."
Wow! Who knew?
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