Five Ways to Deal with the Flu

Sneezing (Photo – Tina Franklin, flickr).

It’s that time of the year when many of us will be spreading and receiving love, joy, gifts — and the flu.

By Ani Deka

So, what exactly is this villainous, Grinch-like entity that has all the power to lay waste to your weekend, vacation and holiday plans?

The lay term “flu” is derived from the medical word “influenza.” It’s such a big baddie in the rogues’ gallery of medical science because this highly contagious, pesky little bug has a very potent ability to change its genetic structure every few months. Your body is unable to recognize this new avatar, so therefore the flu launches sneak attacks into your body, even when you might have had a flu episode just in the last year! So what can you do to deal with this cunning and malleable foe?

Here are 5 ways to deal with the flu:

1. Annual flu shot

Every year the composition of the vaccine changes in order to deal with the changing genetics of the influenza virus. Think of it as an update patch to your computer’s antivirus program. Everyone above 6 months of age should get the vaccine.

2. Basic hygiene

• Hand-washing: Your hands are probably the most versatile part of your body and are the most prolific germ collectors. Frequent hand-washing with soap or alcohol-based rubs is one of the most effective barriers to the spread of bugs. According to the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses by 21% in the general population.
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing: Not only is this the polite thing to do, but it can literally save lives.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your fingers.

3. Basic knowledge

Eat healthy and nutritious food, take your vitamin supplements, get plenty of rest and don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids.

4. Stay home

If you feel under the weather, stay home, get some rest and limit contact with others. Remember, the flu is extremely contagious!

5. For faster relief

Visit your physician for more information and prescription antiviral medications, if needed, which can help you get back on your feet faster.

! Early data suggests that the current 2014-2015 flu season could be severe, according to the CDC.

You are urged to seek immediate vaccination if you are still unvaccinated. Be well and stay well this holiday season.

Aniruddha “Ani” Deka has completed medical school in India and in Pasadena. He is now in the pursuit of the American dream. He loves reading Sc-Fi fantasy literature and is a connoisseur of random bits of trivia.