2008 Woodie Awards
Survive flu season: Get shot
Kristin Kittell
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Features
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by February each year, almost 50 percent of adults in the United States are infected with influenza, also known as the flu. The flu is second only to stress as a cause of students withdrawing from class.
In a broader sense, the flu kills twice as many Americans as HIV/AIDS and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people per year.
The CDC defines the flu can as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. If you contract the flu, you may experience sinus or ear infections, bacterial pneumonia or dehydration, as well as increased complications with already present conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
If you're interested in avoiding these potential health hazards, the first step is diagnosis. Symptoms of the flu may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.
However, since other common illnesses, such as the cold, have similar symptoms, it's suggested that you visit a doctor and receive a diagnosis within the first two or three days of the illness.
Once you've received your diagnosis, you can move on to treatment of your infection.
The CDC first suggests flu antiviral drugs for those who have received a doctor recommendation for such. These are pills, liquids or inhalers that prevent the flu virus from reproducing in your body. These should be taken soon after flu symptoms begin to appear and are effective in making the illness milder.
Though treatment is an option, the CDC strongly urges students to take measures to prevent contracting the virus in the first place.
Everyday actions you can take to maintain your health are covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often.
Also, it may be possible to contract the illness from others one day before their symptoms appear and up to five days after their illness begins, so it is important to avoid close contact with sick people.
In a broader sense, the flu kills twice as many Americans as HIV/AIDS and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people per year.
The CDC defines the flu can as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. If you contract the flu, you may experience sinus or ear infections, bacterial pneumonia or dehydration, as well as increased complications with already present conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
If you're interested in avoiding these potential health hazards, the first step is diagnosis. Symptoms of the flu may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting.
However, since other common illnesses, such as the cold, have similar symptoms, it's suggested that you visit a doctor and receive a diagnosis within the first two or three days of the illness.
Once you've received your diagnosis, you can move on to treatment of your infection.
The CDC first suggests flu antiviral drugs for those who have received a doctor recommendation for such. These are pills, liquids or inhalers that prevent the flu virus from reproducing in your body. These should be taken soon after flu symptoms begin to appear and are effective in making the illness milder.
Though treatment is an option, the CDC strongly urges students to take measures to prevent contracting the virus in the first place.
Everyday actions you can take to maintain your health are covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often.
Also, it may be possible to contract the illness from others one day before their symptoms appear and up to five days after their illness begins, so it is important to avoid close contact with sick people.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jenelle Grewell
posted 10/08/08 @ 3:20 PM CST
My Kristin wrote this!!!
YAY KK!!!
I am very proud of you.
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