With local governments upgrading to wide spread influenza status (such as in Ohio), as well as the national flu rates jumping up (as mentioned here, or look at Google’s flu tracker, which shows the flu rate in the US as being “highâ€), it’s worth reminding everyone of symptoms of the flu as well as ways to prevent flu transmission.
The two biggest flu symptoms are fever and aches, although the flu can be accompanied by coughing, nausea, and a sore throat.
As long as you have a fever, the flu is highly contagious. Sick people should cough and sneeze into their elbow to help reduce transmission, and everyone should be washing their hands more right now. If you want to reduce transmission rates for the flu in your home, try boiling water on the stove or using a humidifier-the flu has a harder time living in humid conditions.
If you get sick, rest and drink lots of water or juice. Try and avoid people until you feel better (fever free) and consider doing a sinus rinse (instructions here) to avoid having your flu develop into a sinus infection. Sitting in steam, such as from a hot shower or bath, can also help to relieve symptoms.
For more on the Flu click here
What are flu rates like in your area?
