Treating Flu Symptoms Sensibly - What To Do If You Think You
Have Been Exposed To Flu
With the severity of the flu intensifying and deadly strains
emerging, it is becoming more essential to know how to treat
symptoms and what to do in the case of flu exposure. Luckily,
many of the traditional treatments may still be applicable to
the more dangerous strains of bird flu, which is a cause for
worldwide concern.
If you believe you have been exposed to the flu, you should pay
close attention to the onset of symptoms. It is always possible
that, even though you have come in contact with an infected
person or animal, you will not become infected. The virus
travels by saliva and mucus particles and, therefore, may not be
transmitted in every case of contact. Proper hygiene and
avoidance of the ill may prevent infection.
However, if symptoms arise you should immediately go to the
doctor. Specifically, if you are experiencing body aches in
addition to cold symptoms, you are likely suffering from an
influenza strain. The reason immediate treatment is needed is to
have the option to utilize antiviral medications. These drugs,
such as Tamiflu and Relenza, lessen the severity of the symptoms
of influenza by controlling the virus. Basically, they are the
viral version of antibiotics, but instead of killing the virus,
they suppress it. However, these medications must be
administered quickly, within two days of the onset of symptoms,
to be effective. Therefore, immediate medical care is necessary.
In addition to antiviral medications, there are other
traditional treatments you may utilize to nurse your flu
symptoms. Adequate fluid intake is one of the most important
aspects of fighting influenza. Dehydration is a sign the illness
is becoming very severe; therefore, every measure should be
taken to assure that does not happen. There are also
over-the-counter medications that may be taken to lessen the
severity of the symptoms of the flu. Taking acetaminophen and/or
ibuprofen to control fever, cold medications, and lozenges will
make the illness more bearable as your body fights the virus. It
is important to get plenty of rest during this time, as your
body must replenish.
After a few days, if the symptoms do not improve or if they
become severe, you should return to the doctor. While there is
not a miracle drug to treat the flu, you should be monitored by
a doctor to ensure worse conditions do not transpire as a result
of the viral infection, such as pneumonia.