Pandemic Flu - Swine Flu - Bird Flu - The Avian Flu -
Have you been hearing about the Pandemic Flu? Get informed for yourself and your Family.
I am hearing more and more about this Flu, or Influenza. One, because I work in a health care field, and two, because I have kids in school. So let's get informed together as employees, employers, and parents.
What does Pandemic mean? It means Worldwide. There is a prediction that the Bird Flu, or you might have heard, the Avian Flu, is going to become a worldwide, human to human, Pandemic Flu.
What is influenza? Influenza means an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. Usually affecting the lungs.
How does it spread Worldwide? Well, I know I don't travel overseas, but I know lots of people who work and vacation in places that the flu is likely to spread to. If those travelers are sick, or the virus is incubating in their bodies, unknown to themselves for anywhere from 2-5 days, they can spread the virus to others with a simple cough, sneeze or contact with something recently contaminated by fluids from and infected person (like shaking hands with someone who has sneezed).
History tells that a Pandemic Flu, the Spanish Flu, spread in 1918-1919, worldwide and killed Millions (20-40 million). Today, we can travel much faster than they could back then. Our spread will be much faster, should an outbreak occur. We need to be healthy and strong.
By the way, the Spanish Flu was named such, because it was Spain who studied it, as they were not at war at the time.
Coughing and Sneezing? 1.
If you have a tissue or Kleenex, use it to completely cover your mouth and nose. After you sneeze or cough go wash your hands.
2. If you are without a tissue, and many times we or our kids are without one, the BEST THING TO DO IS TO SNEEZE AND/OR COUGH INTO YOUR ELBOW. This will capture the cough and/or sneeze the most effectively. Teach this to your kids and practice it often.
3. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN or ASA (Acetylsalicylic acid) to CHILDREN or TEENAGERS.
Signs of the Flu
Usually, the signs of the Flu start with a fever, sore throat, cough and muscle aches.
You or your kids may also have;Fever and Chills, Loss of Appetite, Headache, Dry Cough Body Aches, (back and legs) Weak and Tired, Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy Nose.
So watch for some or all of these signs and symptoms.
Care For Yourself and Your Family
What do you need to do if you see signs of the pandemic flu?Stay home and rest. This is the BEST thing you can do to FIGHT it and STOP THE SPREAD of the flu. I know you would appreciate it if others didn't spread it to you and your kids, or grandparents. Drink plenty of fluids. Gargle with warm salt water. Make the water as warm as you and/or your kids can stand it because it will get the blood flowing to your throat; which will bring oxygen and nutrients to kill the germs. The salt, about a teaspoon, will dry out and kill infection too. I like this combination too, because it is all natural, just don't swallow it. Salt is dehydrating and we need all the hydration we can get when we are feverish. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN. Sorry for all the capitals, but this is huge too. Teach your kids to wash their hands, especially at school, until it becomes a habit.
We have enough education and ability to inform others and ourselves when it comes to a Pandemic Flu, so stay healthy and protect yourself, your family, and others.
Health Advice, Family Health Advice, Parenting Advice!
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