‘Tis the season for influenza as peak activity of the flu in the United States typically occurs during December through March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu is a contagious respiratory illness; it usually comes on suddenly, causing mild to severe symptoms and at times can lead to death. Recovery can take a few days to two weeks but some people develop other complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections as a result of the flu. Medical attention should be sought if flu symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, if an earache or drainage from the ear canal is present, severe pain in the forehead, face or neck, a temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, shortness of breath, wheezing, and/or hoarseness, sore throat or cough that does not go away.
Find the Road to Rapid Recovery
The best thing you can do for yourself when you feel flu symptoms develop is to rest, drink plenty of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Breathing in hot vapors from a shower may help you feel better. While resting, elevate your head to help nasal passages drain. Gently blow your nose to clear congestion and blow both nostrils at the same time.
Medication to relieve the symptoms is also recommended. The CDC cautions parents against giving aspirin to their children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms. Aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome in young people who have viral infections. People who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, a thyroid condition, glaucoma or enlarged prostate should take decongestants only under the care of their healthcare provider. In general, before taking any medications, always tell the doctor and pharmacists about other medications you are currently taking, this includes over-the-counter medications and health supplements.
Clean Hands: Your Best Defense Against the Flu
Germs accumulate on your hands from a variety of sources throughout the day, and if you do not wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with the flu and other contagious diseases. Proper hand-washing is a simple step by step process; each step is important to the elimination of infectious germs. The more often you wash your hands the greater your defense against the flu.
Step 1: Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
Step 2: Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
Step 3: Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
Step 4: Rinse well.
Step 5: Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet.
Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water are not available. In fact, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water. The alcohol in the hand sanitizer is the basis for its power to disinfect. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand and rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands, until they are dry.
Low Calorie Holiday Beverages Bring Comfort & Joy
Certain beverages provide comfort, tradition, and merriment to the holidays. Unfortunately holiday beverages can also be high in fat and calories. Eggnog, hot cocoa with whipped cream, or hot buttered rum can pack up to 500 calories per serving. Multiple cocktails enjoyed at a holiday party can also add up to the caloric intake of a full meal. Imbibe wisely to avoid overloading on calories this holiday season. Choose alternatives to the usual 200 calorie cocktails; for example, opt for a White Wine Spritzer or Rum and Diet Coke. Such low calorie beverages can be equally as tasty as their full calorie counterparts. Try the low calorie versions of Egg Nog, Hot Chocolate, Spiced Tea or Hot Apple Cider which can be found in the Heart Healthy Recipe Database. Click below for recipes.
