By April Biswell
Stay at home....get some rest, sleep it off and drink plenty of fluids. These are all recommendations for getting over the....... flu.
According to Laura Hodgson, nursing lab assistant, "this is the best way to get over the illness. Medicine is not effective. Antibiotics are used to fight bacteria not viruses like the flu."
The flu is commonly transmitted through direct contact with a person who has the virus. It can also be transmitted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, but this is not as likely as coming in direct contract with the person.
"It also helps if you strengthen your immune system by exercising and eating correctly. This will not prevent the flu virus, but it will help a person to bounce back more quickly after being ill," Hodgson said.
People working or living in large groups have a higher risk of getting sick, so the best way to get better is just stay home.
Prevention.....
Getting a flu shot is the most effective way to prevent infection, explained Hogdson, who has two and a half years of experience as a public health nurse at the LaSalle County Health Department.
She recommends getting the shot as early as possible because the vaccine takes two weeks to build up the antibodies that protect a person from the virus. The flu season peaks during December through March.
"Many people do not get vaccinated because they believe it will make them sick, she said. "The influenza vaccine contains only noninfectious viruses; it cannot cause influenza.
"The most frequent side effect is soreness where the shot is administered which lasts up to two days," she continued. "These local reactions are generally mild and rarely interfere with the ability to conduct usual daily activities."
Hodgson, who is an R.N. and IVCC graduate, explained that vaccines are made by extracting protein molecules from the virus and purifying them so there are no harmful elements left. Only the proteins enter the body. They aid in producing antibodies to ward off future infections.
New vaccinations are created every year in order to keep up with the mutating virus, she said.
According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, symptoms of the flu include an abrupt onset of fever, pain in the muscles, a sore throat, and a dry cough. The flu can also cause severe discomfort lasting several days. A more severe illness can result, either primary influenza pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia.
Hodgson said, The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to get vaccinated and wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap."
An immunization clinic for flu and pneumonia is scheduled for Nov. 3 from noon to 3 p.m. in F-114. The cost of the flu vaccine is $8 and the pneumonia vaccine is $20. The clinic is being sponsored by the Nursing Program, Illinois Valley Community Hospital and the Hygienic Institute Community Health Center.