Fighting the flu virus

By: Erin Edwards

Posted: 12/4/08

It starts with a little tickle in the nose, and then before you know it, you're lying in bed surrounded by tissues and Benadryl.

The dreaded cold and flu season is hitting its peak, with sounds of sneezes and sniffles across the nation. While it seems inevitable that we will experience symptoms likened to a seasonal cold, there are plenty of preventative measures that can be taken in order to avoid the horror of advanced influenza--whose symptoms promise more than just a few days of bed rest and chicken noodle soup.

It must be important to note, however, the differences between a cold and the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cold and flu are caused by two separate viruses. And while typically both can mirror symptoms, colds are less likely to cause serious complications. The flu is an actual contagious respiratory illness, which affects between five to 20 percent of the American population. Each year, over 200,000 are hospitalized and approximately 36,000 die from flu complications.

For cold symptoms, most are likely to experience a stuffy nose and fatigue. However, for the flu, symptoms can range from night sweats to fever, body aches and dry cough. These can eventually led to even worse complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

This unfavorable scenario doesn't have to happen to you. With the right precautions, along with good common sense, you can take steps to prevent the oncoming cold that will be present throughout the winter season.

Take a tip from ABC News, who recommends a few precautionary steps in order to prevent catching the flu.

• Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, along with carrying anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. This is also important for those already infected with the flu, especially after covering up a cough or sneeze with their hands.

• Cleaning up your home or office. Whether you have your own desk or work around others, keeping your space clean and germ-free can help those who might visit. The same can be said about your home, especially if you live with others.

• Using nasal spray or a humidifier. With the air getting cold and dry, keeping your nose moisturized can help prevent germs from latching into the membranes. The acid within nasal sprays is even known to destroy germs inside as well.

• Exercising. By keeping your heart rate and muscles pumping your immune system stays healthier, which can help fight off infections. Adequate sleep will also have the same effect.

For some, even these steps may not prove to be enough. In that case, ECU students can visit Student Health Services on campus in order to obtain an influenza vaccination. Anyone is welcome to receive the vaccine, but the flu vaccination is typically recommended for people living in dormitories, people in contact with children or the elderly, anyone with long-term health problems (including asthma and seizure) and anyone who might be pregnant during the regular flu season.

Shots are $12 for students and for those wary of the needle, a nasal vaccine can be administered for $24. All charges will be due at the time of service, since Student Health Services does not file insurance for the flu vaccination.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.