Every year, the flu affects between 800,000 and 5.6 million people in the US. This infectious disease is not serious, but it can cause serious complications in infants, people over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases. There is a vaccine that protects and needs to be done every year by a Family Practice Doctor in Andover Kansas.
Who is at risk? Everyone can get the flu – men, women, babies, children and the elderly! How do people get the flu? Influenza is very contagious. Simply sneezing or coughing allows micro-droplets of saliva to be catapulted into the air, something of which can contaminate people who breathe them in. A kiss on the cheek or even shaking hands can also promote transmission of the flu. It is contagious as soon as the first signs appear, for about 3 to 5 days. Seeing a Family Practice Doctor in Andover Kansas is a must at this point.
What are the signs? Influenza is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, larynx, pharynx, lung, ear) due to the influenza virus. It causes a high fever (around 102.5°F), aches, very strong headaches, malaise, fatigue, cough and runny nose. It usually goes away in less than a week. Complications are rare but can be severe and sometimes fatal (in the elderly, people with heart disease or respiratory problems and in infants under six months of age). In these severe cases, people are treated at the hospital.
Is there a treatment? If you are healthy, here are some simple gestures to help yourself:
* Get plenty of rest;
* Take medication to decrease fevers; and
* Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration;
Beware, antibiotics are not effective against viruses! They should not be taken without medical advice. Pregnant women, babies, people over 65, those with chronic illnesses should see a doctor, at the first signs of the flu, to avoid complications. How can one protect themselves? Wash your hands very often with soap for at least 30 seconds; Wear a mask if you are taking care of someone who is sick; Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands; and open the windows several times a day even if it is a little cool outside. Click here for more details.
