Don't get caught catching the Flu bug
Natalia Guerieri
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Lifestyles
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Around this time of the year, as winter approaches, it may seem almost impossible to avoid sneezing or coughing down the medicine aisle at the local drug store.
With so many medicine options how does one determine a common cold from the flu?
In the United States flu season usually ranges from November through March. Influenza or the flu, as it is more commonly known, is a disease of the respiratory system caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.
The Flu is also very contagious and can be contracted from viruses in the air.
Symptoms may include: fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, headache, body aches, and extreme fatigue.
In addition, there may be nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are possible, but not primary symptoms.
Although antibiotics may relieve some of these symptoms, if left untreated, potential complications from the flu can be serious, and include Bronchitis and Pneumonia. These are especially serious for young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Although the flu seems to be more common during the winter, it actually does not develop as a reaction to colder temperatures. Many experts believe that because in the winter people spend more time indoors with others and the influenza virus is so contagious there is more chance of the virus spreading.
Even though it is not always possible to avoid being around people who have the flu, it is however possible to avoid contracting it.
Flu shots are available for people of all ages. They are recommended especially for people over fifty years of age and those with serious health problems such as: diabetes, lung disease, asthma, heart disease, anemia, and kidney disease.
It is said that the best time to receive a flu shot is during October or November.
The American Lung Association (ALA) says people who are allergic to eggs or certain components of the vaccine should not get the vaccination. This is because the viral material in flu vaccines is grown in eggs. Also, people who are suffering from a cold or any other illness should wait until fully recovered to receive the vaccination.
The flu shot usually ranges from $15 to $25. Health services office is currently offering flu shots on a first come first served basis (due to the limited supply) to students for $10.
For more information or to schedule and appointment contact Student Health Services at: (562) 908-3438 or in A115.
With so many medicine options how does one determine a common cold from the flu?
In the United States flu season usually ranges from November through March. Influenza or the flu, as it is more commonly known, is a disease of the respiratory system caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.
The Flu is also very contagious and can be contracted from viruses in the air.
Symptoms may include: fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, headache, body aches, and extreme fatigue.
In addition, there may be nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are possible, but not primary symptoms.
Although antibiotics may relieve some of these symptoms, if left untreated, potential complications from the flu can be serious, and include Bronchitis and Pneumonia. These are especially serious for young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Although the flu seems to be more common during the winter, it actually does not develop as a reaction to colder temperatures. Many experts believe that because in the winter people spend more time indoors with others and the influenza virus is so contagious there is more chance of the virus spreading.
Even though it is not always possible to avoid being around people who have the flu, it is however possible to avoid contracting it.
Flu shots are available for people of all ages. They are recommended especially for people over fifty years of age and those with serious health problems such as: diabetes, lung disease, asthma, heart disease, anemia, and kidney disease.
It is said that the best time to receive a flu shot is during October or November.
The American Lung Association (ALA) says people who are allergic to eggs or certain components of the vaccine should not get the vaccination. This is because the viral material in flu vaccines is grown in eggs. Also, people who are suffering from a cold or any other illness should wait until fully recovered to receive the vaccination.
The flu shot usually ranges from $15 to $25. Health services office is currently offering flu shots on a first come first served basis (due to the limited supply) to students for $10.
For more information or to schedule and appointment contact Student Health Services at: (562) 908-3438 or in A115.
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