By Jamie Alcaparras
The flu virus, also known as influenza, has hit Lexington and other parts of Kentucky.
Dr. Joshua Quaye, a family doctor for Norton Community Medical Associates, has seen a lot of sick people, although not one case of the flu, yet.
“It’s coming. All it takes is one or two people, and then everyone has it,” Quaye said.
This is no ordinary head cold. This virus can put its victim in bed for weeks. For people at high risk, the flu can lead to other serious complications.
“Although most healthy people recover from the flu without complications, some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu,” stated the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
The best way to prevent catching the flu may be by getting a flu shot, according to Quaye, pharmacist Roger Hillis and Tia Alton, a senior biology major.
“I’ve always gotten the vaccine and I’ve never had the flu,” said Alton.
Antoinette Taylor, a junior psychology major, is in a health communication class at the university, and recommends getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to build the immune system. “I just say get rest, because that’s the way the body repairs itself,” Taylor said, adding that if you do not get enough sleep, “your resistance level will be lower and you will be more susceptible to viruses.”
There are products such as Airborne and Emergen-C that give you the vitamins and minerals you need to strengthen your immune system. They are sold at most drug stores as well as most major stores.
“If you’re in better shape, you can fight things better,” said Hillis. He said he does not think a strong immune system will be a guarantee to stop the flu without the flu shot. “You can drink all the orange juice you want, but if you get the virus, well, you know,” said Hillis.
Spraying anti-bacterial cleaners on doorknobs and handles at home along with washing hands frequently can also improve the chances against getting the virus or the common cold, said Hillis.
The flu virus does not only enter the body through the nose and mouth, it can also enter through the eyes. So, keeping hands away from the face is a good idea.
According to http://www.flufacts.com, the symptoms of the flu and those of a cold are different and require different treatments. Taking prescription medicines for the flu, but actually having a cold, can actually make the symptoms worse.
Be sure to be very specific with the doctor about the symptoms. Some doctors prescribe anti-virals for the flu, and anti-biotics for colds.
The symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, congestion, cough and sore throat. The symptoms of the flu include fever, extreme fatigue, chills, body-aches and headaches. Symptoms of the flu typically strike within an hour or so. The cough is dry and the stomach might be uneasy.
Acting fast is the key to healing fast. Taking prescribed anti-viral medication within the first couple days may decrease the length of time sick.
