Flu Nosey Question???

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2003
Flu Nosey Question???
9
Fri, 11-21-2003 - 8:04pm

At our lunch today I noticed some people were missing because they have the nasty bug going around/their kids have it bad, one was starting to get it, one was getting over it.

“You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” -Brian Tracy
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Fri, 11-21-2003 - 8:19pm
I really debated about the flu shot this year.I haven't had the flu in years and have only gotten one flu shot in my life.Now I'm reading about how bad the flu is going to be this year and I'm wondering if I should have gotten it.DH got one so at least one of us is safe.Everything I've read about it says you should get one as soon as possible.

I've been thinking that this will be a good winter to take supplements, eat well, exercise and get out in the fresh air as much as possible.I'd like to really work at those things and see how healthy I can stay this winter.

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2003
Fri, 11-21-2003 - 11:08pm
I got the flu the two years I got shots, they didn't cover my particular flu, then I didn't get shots the last few years and no flu.
“You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” -Brian Tracy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 7:13am
I keep intending to get the flu shot but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 7:51am
Deb. It is not too late to get the flu shot. It is usually best to get it in October, the earlier the better, is the theory. A lot of times, folks get a cold and think it is the flu. I do get a flu shot. My children and husband do not (although I keep threatening to NOT get it each year so that I can get the flu and "have a vacation" ;). The flu shot not only stops you from getting the flu, but stops you from spreading the flu. I've included some cold/flu info below. Although it is geared toward children...it applies to adults as well. My suggestion is if you don't have an aversion to shots...get the flu shot.

Symptoms of a Cold

Cold symptoms are usually mild and develop 2-5 days after you are exposed to somebody else that is sick. Symptoms may include a fever, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache and muscle aches. The runny nose typically begins with a clear runny nose, but after 2-3 days, it may become thick and green or yellow. Symptoms usually worsen over the first 3-5 days, and then slowly go away over 10-14 days.

Treating a Cold

Since it is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work against the common cold. These types of upper respiratory infections go away on their own and taking antibiotics will not help your child get better any faster and will likely not prevent secondary bacterial infections, such as an ear infection or sinus infection. Although there is no cure for colds, that does not mean that you can't treat your child's symptoms to help him feel better. Extra fluids, a cool mist humidifier, and rest will likely help with some of his symptoms. Younger children, since they can't blow their nose, may benefit from using saline nasal drops and a bulb syringe to help keep their nasal passages clear. Over the counter medications that may help, depending on your child's symptoms, include a pain and fever reducer, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and a cold medicine with a decongestant and/or cough suppressant.

Zinc lozenges, although commonly used by adults, have not been shown to be helpful for kids and are not always well tolerated and should probably be avoided.

Flu Symptoms

Although flu symptoms are similar to those caused by a cold, they are in general a lot worse. Children with the flu will usually have a rapid onset of a high fever, severe headache and muscle aches, and chills, in addition to a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue.

Flu Treatments

The flu, like the common cold, is caused by a virus, so antibiotics don't work against it. However, there are many antiviral medications that can be used to treat the flu and may help your child to get better a few days faster. In general, they are only effective if started within 1-2 days of your child's symptoms beginning. Flu medications include:

Relenza (Zanamivir) - a Diskhaler that is given by inhalation to children over the age of seven years. It is effective against Influenza type A and B.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) - available as a capsule or oral suspension and can be used as a flu treatment in children over the age of 1 years and as prophylaxis for children over age 13 and adults. It is also effective against Influenza type A and B.

Symmetrel (Amantadine) - an older medication that is only effective against Influenza type A and can be used to prevent and treat the flu in children over 12 months of age

Flumadine (Rimantadine) - also only effective against type A Influenza and it is only approved for use to prevent the flu in children under 10 years, and not as a flu treatment. Symptomatic treatments, as described above, may also help your child feel better.



Flu Prevention

The best way to prevent your child from getting the flu is to get him a flu shot each year, especially if he is at high risk of having complications from getting the flu. Many of the flu medications described above, except Relenza, can also be used to prevent your child from getting the flu if he is exposed to someone that is sick with the flu.


 

                        

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 9:05am
We get 'em in this house. Yeah, it only covers certain strains, but if I can eliminate 3-5 days in bed totally miserable (or hospitalized from complications), I'll pay the $15-$20 to keep those strains out of my life. The drugs and doctor visits to help you get over it cost more. DH had the flu almost 13 years ago, the one year he didn't get the flu shot, when were were buying the house we now live in. He was totally out of it with fever, aches, and the runs from both ends. I'm a wimp for pain and sickness - have had colds that are only half as bad that turned me into a mental vegetable - and just don't want to deal with it. My concern with Allison getting the flu, even though she's healthy and not in a high-risk group, is dehydration - kids are just so little and don't have the stamina when they get those kinds of illnesses.

We view the flu shot as a cheap insurance vs. being incapacitated should we get it.





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C

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 9:09am

Thank you for posting all the info!!! Deb

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“You can only grow if you’re willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” -Brian Tracy
Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 11:10am
Here's what my doc told me:

Get the shot. It can't hurt you unless you're allergic to eggs or thimerosol. It may or may not help agaisnt the flu strains going around this year, but it can't hurt either. The sooner you get it, the sooner your immunity goes up but the sooner it fades away this winter.

I read on CNN that there is a strain of flu going through Texas and Colorado that is very similar genetically to one of the strains in this year's vaccine.

I got mine yesterday. Kind of late, but they wouldn't give it to me while I was battling that cold. I wouldn't wait too much longer if you're going to get it. They say you should get it before the end of November.

Good luck not catching the flu.

Lori

Lori

Avatar for bootywhompus
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 11:18am
Yeah, thanks for the info. I didn't know they had developed anti-virals for the flu. That's awesome!

Lori

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 11-22-2003 - 5:16pm

If you want to get the flu shot...go right away. It takes 2 weeks for it to take effect.


I decided not to get it, DH got it.