The flu season has arrived again. It is the time of the year when the influenza-causing virus is most likely to spread, happening during the colder months. While it spreads easily without much incident, the flu can be dangerous to vulnerable populations. Staying safe during this flu season is essential.
Today, we will share vital information about the flu to help you and your family stay fit, healthy, and safe this flu season.
Signs & Symptoms
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system. It can cause various symptoms, including:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Sore throat
People with the flu may experience a combination of some or all these symptoms. It’s also possible for the symptoms to worsen and for the disease to become dangerous, especially for groups most vulnerable to flu-related complications.
Populations Most Vulnerable to Developing Complications
While everyone can contract the virus and suffer the symptoms that come with it, a few people are at greater risk of developing flu-related health complications, including:
- Adults over the age of 65
- Children younger than the age of five
- Pregnant people
- Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes
Taking measures to learn about the disease and how to prevent and treat it is essential to keeping your loved ones and yourself safe during the flu season.
Treatment and Flu Vaccines
Prevention is always the best cure for any disease. Likewise, the most effective way to prevent children from getting the flu is by administering yearly flu vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over six months old and most adults should receive the flu vaccine each year. Fortunately, these vaccines are readily available at many locations, including clinics, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and other health-related organizations.
When you contract the flu, you may only need plenty of rest and drink fluids to recuperate. If your infection is severe or you are at a higher risk of flu-related health complications, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medicines to treat the flu. Antiviral drugs designed to treat the flu can shorten your illness and help in preventing severe complications.
Natural Remedies
If you or someone you know experiences the flu, there are several natural remedies you can explore to ease the symptoms, including:
- Drink liquids: Whether you choose water, juice, and warm chicken or vegetable soups, drinking plenty of liquids helps you recover faster and prevents you from getting dehydrated.
- Gargling warm salt water: Mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water helps relieve sore throats caused by the flu.
- Plenty of rest: When you get plenty of rest, it helps your immune system focus on fighting the infection.
- Steamy showers: A sauna or steamy shower work as great decongestants to help your airways clear up and make it easier for you to breathe.
Lead by Example
Nurses are aware of the challenges that come with the flu season. You’re on the front lines as a nurse, fighting against the disease. You may have to administer flu shots to everyone over six months each year. You should get vaccinated annually against the flu yourself, and educate your patients about the disease, how they can prevent it, and the remedies they can explore to stay healthy.
As a nurse, you must also stay updated with the latest recommendations regarding the flu and how to help your patients fight the disease. Nursing continuing education courses can play an important role in the latest and best practices to stay healthy during flu season. And, with online nursing CEUs like those available at Fast CE For Less at https://fastceforless.com/ce-courses-for-nursing/, you can be better prepared for flu season.
