The Flu

The Flu season is right around the corner.  Influenza is commonly known as “the flu”.  Although it is often confused with other influenza-like illnesses like the common cold, the flu is a much more serious disease.  The most common symptoms are; chills, fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, severe headache, coughing and fatigue.  Influenza is typically transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes which create “aerosols” containing the virus.  Frequent hand washing is recommended to prevent the spread of many diseases. Vaccinations against influenza are readily available usually starting in the fall and continuing into the new year.  The flu spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics resulting in three to five million yearly cases and 250,000 – 500,000 yearly deaths.  The best prevention against the flu is vaccination.  Every year the World Health Organization(WHO) determines which strain of the virus is most likely to circulate in the next year.  The vaccine is reformulated each season for the predicted virus.  People who get the flu are advised to stay in bed, drink plenty of liquids and take medications to relieve fever and muscle aches.  Because the flu is a virus, antibiotics have no effect on treating it.  There are plenty of places today that you can get a flu shot without having to visit a doctor’s office.  Prices range from $28.00 to $34.00.  It is worth every penny to avoid getting the flu.  De Hart Plumbing, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas and Wamego Kansas.