A Speedy Recovery From The Flu
The flu is considered one of the nastiest "common" viruses that a person can become afflicted with. Once you determine that you have it, your main priority should be to treat it and get well. The following are some things you can do to speed up your recovery from influenza.
Remain indoors and stay home. Some of the first symptoms of the flu are muscle and body aches, tiredness, and stress. Although staying in bed is advised, some form of physical exercise can be afforded, such as stretching or a short walk. There are benefits of fresh, open air too. This may aide in the recovery. Don't overdo it and avoid becoming chilled as this may weaken the body's defense mechanism. Basically, conserve your energy without being inactive.
Seek treatment immediately. A trip to the doctor or hospital may be a good idea if you feel that you are coming down with the flu. Waiting till the illness has become full blown to do anything about it, brings no benefit. Your doctor is always the best resource to consult when dealing with a health ailment, but the Internet is proving to be a valuable source when trying to understand illnesses and their symptoms.
Lifestyle changes may help in curing and preventing influenza. Avoid alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Nicotine and alcohol lower the body's natural resistance to viruses and can make matters worse when you do have it. Using these vices could lead to other illnesses as well.
A vitamin regimen is also advisable. Vitamin C has definite benefits in aiding your flu recovery. Around 1000 mg can be taken. Vitamin C has excellent antioxidant properties and will help in your effort to recover.
Definitely stay hydrated as much as possible. Proper hydration is essential in removing toxins from your body and will allow your system to perform it's other processes as well. A fever will naturally dehydrate your body, so drink plenty of liquids. Water is the main candidate, but sports drinks, fruit juices, and soup can be beneficial as well. You may not feel thirsty, but try to consume even small amounts of liquids on constant basis, as this will help you recover.
There are some beneficial over the counter drugs you might want to utilize too. Aspirin and ibuprofen are good in helping with the aches and pains of influenza. Cough medicine and decongestants will also help with respiratory congestion. Cough drops and gargling can aide a sore throat if this is the case.
Consult your doctor about utilizing prescriptions drugs to fight the illness. Amantidine, Zanamivir, and Oseltamivir are some drugs that they could prescribe for you.
You may want to consider a couple of alternative treatments too. Acupressure involves using pressure points in the body to bring about better circulations and lymph activity. Also, hydrotherapy is a method using water to detoxify the body. The water warms the body and causes you to sweat out harmful toxins.
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What Are The Risks Of The Flu Vaccine
What Are The Risks Of The Flu Vaccine
The Flu Shot
The flu shot contains three strains of the flu virus. A (H3N2), A (H1N1), and the B virus are the ingredients of today's inoculation . These are the strains that are considered to circulating the populace during the year. The viruses contained in the flu shot are dead and thus, inactive. Derived from eggs, the viruses are grown, and administered to the human body in the form of needle injection.
The flu shot has proved to be very effective at preventing the illness, although it isn't foolproof. The shot does reduce your risk of contracting influenza and it is advisable to receive an inoculation annually. Here is a listing of the individuals who it is recommended get a flu shot each year:
1. Anyone who has experienced health problems due to previous influenza illnesses.
2. Children whose age range is six months to 5 years.
3. Women who are pregnant.
4. Anyone who is older than fifty years young.
5. Individuals who have chronic health problems.
6. The elderly who reside in nursing homes or long term care.
7. Professionals in the health care field.
Also, anyone who lives with a person who falls into these categories should also receive an annual flu shot. If you currently have a fever or have shown an allergic reaction to the shot, then you shouldn't get one. If you have a respiratory illness, this is generally considered to be alright, but do consult your doctor.
Examining The Risks of the Flu Shot
It is essentially impossible to get the flu from the shot since the viruses contained in it are dead and inert. Additionally, the possibility of any harm resulting from the flu shot is very minimal. Despite this, there are some risks involved when getting the vaccine. An allergic reaction, as stated before, is a possibility. While this is a minimal risk, it shouldn't be overlooked. As always, please consult your doctor when considering receiving an influenza vaccine.
While an allergic reaction to a flu shot is very uncommon, you should be aware of what the symptoms are. These include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, paleness, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and a feeling of dizziness. Typically, these symptoms will become evident within a few hours of getting the flu shot. If you have an allergy to eggs then you might be at risk to getting the flu vaccine as the viruses used in the shot are created from them.
Some of the side effects of the inoculation are soreness , swelling, or redness around the point of inoculation . Fever and sore muscles may also accompany the shot, but these should alleviate themselves in a few days. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you do show signs of a reaction or severe side effects. Inform the examining medical staff what has taken place and when you had your shot.
The Flu Shot
The flu shot contains three strains of the flu virus. A (H3N2), A (H1N1), and the B virus are the ingredients of today's inoculation . These are the strains that are considered to circulating the populace during the year. The viruses contained in the flu shot are dead and thus, inactive. Derived from eggs, the viruses are grown, and administered to the human body in the form of needle injection.
The flu shot has proved to be very effective at preventing the illness, although it isn't foolproof. The shot does reduce your risk of contracting influenza and it is advisable to receive an inoculation annually. Here is a listing of the individuals who it is recommended get a flu shot each year:
1. Anyone who has experienced health problems due to previous influenza illnesses.
2. Children whose age range is six months to 5 years.
3. Women who are pregnant.
4. Anyone who is older than fifty years young.
5. Individuals who have chronic health problems.
6. The elderly who reside in nursing homes or long term care.
7. Professionals in the health care field.
Also, anyone who lives with a person who falls into these categories should also receive an annual flu shot. If you currently have a fever or have shown an allergic reaction to the shot, then you shouldn't get one. If you have a respiratory illness, this is generally considered to be alright, but do consult your doctor.
Examining The Risks of the Flu Shot
It is essentially impossible to get the flu from the shot since the viruses contained in it are dead and inert. Additionally, the possibility of any harm resulting from the flu shot is very minimal. Despite this, there are some risks involved when getting the vaccine. An allergic reaction, as stated before, is a possibility. While this is a minimal risk, it shouldn't be overlooked. As always, please consult your doctor when considering receiving an influenza vaccine.
While an allergic reaction to a flu shot is very uncommon, you should be aware of what the symptoms are. These include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, paleness, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and a feeling of dizziness. Typically, these symptoms will become evident within a few hours of getting the flu shot. If you have an allergy to eggs then you might be at risk to getting the flu vaccine as the viruses used in the shot are created from them.
Some of the side effects of the inoculation are soreness , swelling, or redness around the point of inoculation . Fever and sore muscles may also accompany the shot, but these should alleviate themselves in a few days. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you do show signs of a reaction or severe side effects. Inform the examining medical staff what has taken place and when you had your shot.
What vaccines and immunizations are available for the flu?
What vaccines and immunizations are available for the flu?
Vaccines and Immunizations Defined
Essentially, a vaccine forces a human body to create it's own protection for a disease. For a vaccine to work, a number of flu viruses are introduced to the body, and the intention is for the immune system to create it's own antibodies to fight the infection when needed.
Recognizing that flu strains will mutate each year, The WHO, (World Health Organization), in conjunction with The U.S. Department of Health, and Canadian Public Health Services, ascertain which flu viruses are most likely to be prominent for the upcoming year. Using this data, they decide which viruses and antigens to make available to the public at large. This method does require that a person receive a flu shot each year in order to maintain the most updated protection from flu viruses.
The Two Types of Immunizations
The most common form of vaccine is the flu shot. The shot, generally administered by a shot in the arm, utilizes three strains of dead influenza viruses. A flu shot can be given safely to a person six months or older. Two flu shots can be given to a child six months to nine years old and anyone nine and older only requires a flu shot once per year.
The other form of flu vaccine is the nasal spray form, aka, LAIV . This vaccine utilizes three weak, but live flu viruses. It is administered in the form of a nasal spray/mist . This form of vaccine is not considered safe for pregnant women, young children, or people older than 65 .
Precautions Before Getting Vaccinated
If you have existing medical conditions, there may be a risk in receiving a flu shot. As always, you should consult your doctor and ask their opinion.
What to tell your doctor.
It is advisable to tell your doctor if you have ever had any allergic reactions to food or drugs. If you have ever had a bad reaction to a flu shot in the past, then the shot may be a risk for you. Keep in mind that the viruses used in flu shots are generated from eggs. If you have an allergy to eggs, a flu shot may cause a reaction.
If you are pregnant, the spray vaccine LAIV is considered a risk. Women that are pregnant are typically advised to get the shot as an alternative.
You should discuss with your doctor your full medical history. Existing bronchial conditions like asthma, bronchitis, etc., should be taken into consideration. Complications can arise from these conditions and a full disclosure is advised, especially for elderly persons.
Additionally, you should inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Asprin therapy, cancer drugs, (alkylating, antimetabolite, immonosuppressive, and radiation therapy) all should be discussed with your doctor. Please remember that the possibility exist that you may experience side effects from a flu vaccine. If this does happen, you should inform your Doctor immediately.
Vaccines and Immunizations Defined
Essentially, a vaccine forces a human body to create it's own protection for a disease. For a vaccine to work, a number of flu viruses are introduced to the body, and the intention is for the immune system to create it's own antibodies to fight the infection when needed.
Recognizing that flu strains will mutate each year, The WHO, (World Health Organization), in conjunction with The U.S. Department of Health, and Canadian Public Health Services, ascertain which flu viruses are most likely to be prominent for the upcoming year. Using this data, they decide which viruses and antigens to make available to the public at large. This method does require that a person receive a flu shot each year in order to maintain the most updated protection from flu viruses.
The Two Types of Immunizations
The most common form of vaccine is the flu shot. The shot, generally administered by a shot in the arm, utilizes three strains of dead influenza viruses. A flu shot can be given safely to a person six months or older. Two flu shots can be given to a child six months to nine years old and anyone nine and older only requires a flu shot once per year.
The other form of flu vaccine is the nasal spray form, aka, LAIV . This vaccine utilizes three weak, but live flu viruses. It is administered in the form of a nasal spray/mist . This form of vaccine is not considered safe for pregnant women, young children, or people older than 65 .
Precautions Before Getting Vaccinated
If you have existing medical conditions, there may be a risk in receiving a flu shot. As always, you should consult your doctor and ask their opinion.
What to tell your doctor.
It is advisable to tell your doctor if you have ever had any allergic reactions to food or drugs. If you have ever had a bad reaction to a flu shot in the past, then the shot may be a risk for you. Keep in mind that the viruses used in flu shots are generated from eggs. If you have an allergy to eggs, a flu shot may cause a reaction.
If you are pregnant, the spray vaccine LAIV is considered a risk. Women that are pregnant are typically advised to get the shot as an alternative.
You should discuss with your doctor your full medical history. Existing bronchial conditions like asthma, bronchitis, etc., should be taken into consideration. Complications can arise from these conditions and a full disclosure is advised, especially for elderly persons.
Additionally, you should inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking. Asprin therapy, cancer drugs, (alkylating, antimetabolite, immonosuppressive, and radiation therapy) all should be discussed with your doctor. Please remember that the possibility exist that you may experience side effects from a flu vaccine. If this does happen, you should inform your Doctor immediately.
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