HIV/AIDS and the Flu |
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If you or a loved one has HIV/ AIDS, you may know how hard it is to prevent viral infections such as the flu. In addition, flu complications such as pneumonia can deteriorate the body's already compromised immune system. To stay well and avoid flu and flu complications, it's important to understand all you can about the flu and to take the recommended prevention steps. Why Is the Flu Serious for People With HIV/ AIDS?The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) kills or damages cells in the body's immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections like the flu virus. Because of cell damage, people with HIV/AIDS are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia from the flu....more |
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Use Your Immune System to Prevent Flu |
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Looking for some ways to boost your immune system so you can prevent the flu this year? The immune system is a network that helps you avoid illness -- or sometimes it can become the underlying reason you get sick. Here are some ways to strengthen your immune system to help prevent viral and bacterial infections. What Is the Immune System?In simplest terms, the immune system is a balanced network of cells and organs that work together to defend you against disease. Your immune system blocks foreign proteins from getting into your body. If a few intruders happen to sneak by your biological sentry, that's OK. With a powerful "search and destroy" task force, your body deploys a host of additional...more |
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Flu Prevention Strategies |
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Looking for some flu prevention strategies? There's no denying that a bad case of flu can wipe you with symptoms of fever, congestion, fatigue, and body aches. And, according to the CDC, from 5% to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year as a result of flu complications, and about 36,000 people actually die from the flu. How Is the Flu Spread?A virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs causes flu. Just like a cold virus, flu is usually spread from one person to the next when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The invincible flu virus is passed from the lungs, throat, or nose of one person through the air to the next...more |
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When to Call the Doctor About Flu |
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If you just came down with miserable flu symptoms, you may wonder when to call the doctor. Sooner is better than later in case your doctor thinks you would benefit from flu medications that can help shorten the duration of the flu. What Are Common Flu Symptoms? The first challenge is determining if you have flu symptoms. If you have these symptoms, give your doctor a call. Common symptoms of the flu include:
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What to Do When the Flu Bugs You |
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If you get the flu, the best way to take care of yourself is to rest in bed and drink lots of liquids like water and other noncaffeinated drinks. Stay home from school until you feel better and your temperature has returned to normal. You probably don't need to contact your doctor unless you're not getting better, you develop complications (like trouble breathing) or you have a medical condition (for example, diabetes, heart problems, asthma, or other lung problems). Most teens can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever and aches. Avoid aspirin or any products that contain aspirin because they put kids and teens at greater risk of developing Reye syndrome, a very serious illness...more |
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Flu Treatment |
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Need help deciding which treatments are effective for the flu and swine flu? Wonder how you can manage flu and swine flu symptoms? Though flu treatments won't cure the flu or swine flu, there are flu treatments that can relieve common flu symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue, and congestion. Some flu treatments may actually shorten the time you have flu symptoms. However, the FDA and manufacturers now say that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4. Which flu treatments can I take for swine flu?If you have flu symptoms, and there has been a swine flu outbreak in your area, it’s a good idea to call...more |
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