Influenza “Flu”

Seasonal influenza, or the “flu” which is what most of us know it as, occurs as an epidemic usually in the fall and winter months.  The flu is a highly contagious, acute viral infection that occurs in both children and adults of all ages.  Each year the cause of the flu virus may change, and this could mean that the immunizations for the flu virus may or may not provide you with the best protection.  Prevention is key in keeping you healthy and free from the flu virus!

If adults come down with the flu virus they are contagious from 24 hours before all the signs and symptoms develop, and up to 5 days after they begin.  Signs and symptoms of influenza may include:

• Severe headache and muscle aches
• Chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Diarrhea and cough
• Fever

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you to help promote your health and prevent further complications the virus may cause.  It is important that if you are diagnosed with the flu that others are aware so they can keep their distance too, because you absolutely will be contagious.  Our professionals will carefully monitor your respiratory and hydration status, making sure that you do not become dehydrated and you have no respiratory distress once we resume your care in your home. 

As treatment for the flu, an antiviral medication may be prescribed for you.  Some of these medications may work to both prevent the flu and/or treat the signs and symptoms you may already have.  Also, the duration of the influenza infection may be shortened by other antivirals during a pandemic situation if many individuals have the infection.  With an antiviral medication regimen, it is very important that you begin the medication within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of any signs or symptoms for the best results.

Vaccines are another way to combat the flu.  The vaccines are prepared yearly depending upon which strain of the flu virus is suspected for that particular year.  Vaccines are encouraged for everyone over the age of 6 months.  If you have a history of pneumonia, other chronic medical conditions, you are over the age of 65, or a health care worker…. you will be at a much higher risk to contract the flu virus and vaccination is highly recommended for you!

Total Home Health understands that it is not ideal to totally keep to yourself during the high-risk months of contracting the flu, therefore we will educate you on ways to prevent the flu and keep yourself healthy.  We advise that in order to reduce the risk of spreading the flu virus, you should greatly consider the following tips:

• Always thoroughly wash your hands and watch how you cough.  It is best to always cough into your shoulder or elbow…not into your hands. 
• Avoid large crowds, while also avoiding close personal contact (shaking hands, kissing and hugging).
• If you begin to notice any of the signs and symptoms of the flu as mentioned above, you should start increasing your fluid intake to prevent dehydration, get plenty of rest to decrease other demands so your body is able to focus on fighting off the infection, and stay home so you do not pass the flu on to others who will be vulnerable.

If your influenza virus worsens and complications begin to occur, you could ultimately suffer from pneumonia.  Generally, pneumonia tends to affect the older adult population, those who are debilitated (dependent upon others for their care), and/or those with a weak immune system.

The professionals at Total Home Health are ready to help you fight off the flu today!  Of course promotion of your health and prevention of infection our some of our very top priorities.  We will continually educate you on ways to better the status of your health in order for you to always feel the best you possibly can.  We understand too that sometimes you will still contract an infection, it is then when you will see us go above and beyond the extra mile in order to help you overcome your illness so that you can resume your normal daily life with the ones you love.  Enroll with Total Home Health and get to know our professionals today…we are waiting to help someone like you!