Before I get to today’s article I wanted to let you know about a great sale Camping Survival is having on their paracord. with the code “overstock” at checkout. I wrote an article about all the goodness that is paracord called Paracord the King of Cordage. If paracord is on your list of items to buy, this sale would be a great time to get it.
The Flu
Here we are again in the midst of Flu season and it has not yet peaked, according to Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. In fact, current rates of flu and flu-like activity have not been this high in nearly 10 years. Because of this, I thought I would share some things with you. Some of you might be old pro’s at all of this, but it is a good reminder for others of us.
What should you do during flu season?
- If you’re ill, please stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Disinfect frequently touched places when someone is sick.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
When should you seek medical treatment?
Luckily, most people who contract the flu won’t need medical attention. If you have a chronic illness, you should call your doctor and ask for guidance. Some will suggest immediate treatment. If your symptoms are bad or getting worse, call your doctor and ask for guidance as well. The below symptoms are considered emergency warning signs. If you or someone in your care has these, you should consider seeking medical attention immediately.
In Children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking or interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
- No tears when crying
- Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
In Adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough
Are there medications available?
There are antiviral medications available that can lessen the symptoms and duration of the flu. They are most effective when taken in the first 48 hours. There are several over-the-counter medications to help lessen the symptoms.
There are also herbal treatments that may assist as well, here are just a few.
- Echinacea is believed to reduce the symptoms of Cold and Flu and helps in the recovery.
- Licorice contains antiviral compounds that release interferons, the bodys own antivirals.
- Boneset; according to Clinical herbalist, David Hoffmann, boneset is one of the best herbs for influenza because it relieves aches, fever and mucus congestion.
Prepper’s and the flu
I have seen a few good articles on the flu that I would like to share.
- The Survival Sherpa recently wrote an article called Stomach Flu Survival. He covers some of the information I listed, but also lists more herbals.
- The Survival Doctor wrote an article called 8 Things You Can Do For the Full-Blown Flu, He lists 8 solid things to do for the flu, from preventing it to having a full blown case of it.
- The Organic Prepper> lists five reasons why she won’t be getting a flu shot
I also have a link that you can use to track the flu in your area, the the flu near you site.
Closing thoughts
The whole “staying home until you’re not contagious” thing gets blown off by many people, but please do. You’re not only infecting others, but you are putting yourself at greater risk. The flu can really take its toll, and it can leave your weakened immune system susceptible to contracting something on top of the flu.
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