(the following is a blog post and is not intended to be medical advice, you should always seek the advice of your primary care doctor)
This is not my usual content but I feel it's useful all the same.
I got the flu for Christmas. It came a day or two after, but still.
Earlier this week, after a few days of being the stubborn redhead that I am, Hubs offered to drive me to the Urgent Care Clinic and I readily climbed in the truck.
After that very uncomfortable nose stick test, my primary care physician said it was Influenza-A. Apparently, in addition to Covid, they've been seeing a lot of it. Influenza-B as well. And pneumonia and "walking pneumonia" are also very popular right now.
Unfortunately, there's nothing to do for the flu, because it's viral. That means it just has to run it's course. If you get into the doctor early enough they can start you on a medicine called Tamiflu which purportedly works by attacking the flu virus and it keeps it from spreading in your body.
Tamiflu can sometimes keep you from getting the flu if you take it before you get sick. That was the word from my doctor, anyway.
If you're having trouble breathing, your doc might give you some albuterol for a nebulizer to do breathing treatments. This opens up the airways so you can get that nice productive cough going. I won't lie. This can produce some pretty gross results but it's a step toward getting you better, that's what we want, right?
Drinking a lot of water will help flush out the virus. Other things that have helped me are using those shower soothers that melt with a release of Vick's vapors. This feels so good, smells nice too. I mean it smells like Vicks but I find the scent to be refreshing and clean.
Pineapple juice has some health benefits and can help with coughs because of an ingredient called bromelain, an enzyme that can help attack the mucus and reduce inflammation. It's worth a shot, right? I was on board with this as I love it to start with.
When you're done with the flu and your breathing is compromised be sure to wear a scarf around your nose and mouth or a mask if you're going outside. The cold air can cause spasms and a coughing fit that you don't really want to experience. Also, be ready for muscle soreness from the fever and the coughing. My primary care provider explained that Flu-A is more severe with higher fevers than Flu-B, but Flu-B can last for weeks.
Talk to your doc about the flu shot. It's not for everyone. I cannot take it because I've had an reaction to a flu shot in the past and now am on a "no flu shot" list at my provider's office.
If you're not a patient, patient, you're in the club with me. Just know that this is going to take five to ten days before you're better.
As always, limit exposure and wash your hands. These are all things we know, but ya know. Never a bad time to remind of it.
I hope you feel better soon, if you're in the Christmas Crud Club with me.
(here's a map of the flu outbreaks nationwide as of the week of Christmas 2024)
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