| You, the Flu, and What to Do | |
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THE WOMEN’S HEALTH GROUP, P.C. 9195 Grant Street, Suite 410, Thornton, CO 80229 Phone: 303-280-2229 (BABY) 300 Exempla Circle, Suite 470, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: 303-665-6016
YOU, THE FLU, AND WHAT TO DO Our days are filled with busy schedules; we are more fatigued than usual, leaving our immune system vulnerable to illness. With the cooler weather ahead of us, we will be keeping the windows closed, with no fresh air circulating to move the germs out the door. These factors can be the invitation for sickness. You… The higher risk populations include: · Pregnant moms · Those that have household day-to-day contact with children under six months old · General healthcare workers (hospital, clinic, EMT/EMS personnel) · Children ages six months to 24 years of age · Adults ages 25-64 years with certain medical conditions that may leave them more vulnerable to complications from infection How do you know if you have influenza? According to Tri-County Health Department (www.tchd.org), the symptoms of the flu are: · Chills and fever · Headache · Muscle aches and pains · Sore throat, dry cough · Runny nose, nasal congestion · Fatigue, weakness · Loss of appetite · Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are possible What to do… · Stay home; avoid contact with others · Wash your hands thoroughly and often; use hand sanitizers · When you sneeze, use the crook of your arm (inside your elbow) to minimize spreading germs · Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (such as Advil®) · Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids (you need to stay hydrated right now) · Check with your healthcare provider to see if anti-viral medications are appropriate · Get lots of rest Checklist… o Juices, soups, chicken broth, gelatin (to keep you hydrated and keep your energy up) o Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the aches and pains o Tissues (dispose of in trash and try not to touch other people’s tissues) o Phone numbers to your healthcare provider and a family member or friend o A good book or a few movies since you will be staying home for awhile o Stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid spreading infection |
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