I heard that Rob was down with the flu. I talked with him a little on the phone. He is really feeling awful…. fever, headaches, hurting lungs, body aches and very tired.
It seems to be going around at his work and not only there.
Flu, is such a common disease, but what is it really? According to Wikipedia:
“Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms include: a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks.”
Okay, that we know now (if we didn’t already). This is not to going to be an scientific post, but more some facts and handy things to know.
So it caused by a virus. A virus cannot be destroyed like a bacteria. For the virus that causes the common flu this means just sit it out and take care of yourself (or have someone taking care of you *heart*).
Flu Is contagious. Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.
While the flu viruses can be detected year-round, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.
For an healthy person the flu is not a real threat, as long it is taken care of in a proper way.
This is different for older people, children and persons with a weak health. These are the people that need special treatment. Also they should apply for an anti-flu shot, something that for someone a good health is not needed.
There are many suggestions going around to help to feel better: Breathe aromatic steam (eucalyptus oil), warm showers, drink a lot of liquids, rinse the noise with salty water, warm (chicken-) soup, spice up your meal and many more. It is to your personal experience if these will work or not.
And most of all I hope that Rob recovers fast and go back to his normal way of life.
(Credit Photo: Public Domain, see Dreamtime )
Poor Robbedop!
He complained Friday evening already a bit that his lungs were painful again. During the weekend it was clear he did not felt as he should. Well, that was the harbinger of getting down with the flu.
I found it hard to leave this morning while he was feeling ill. Rob had really to push me to leave and get my plane :-).
Although it was a very nice weekend, it was clear Rob was coming down with something. I hope he feels very soon better again.
I know what Rob needs!
Greek sunshine and decent Greek food. And of course some ouzo, the medicine for everything!
“Knuffel” for Rob (See? I am learning Dutch *smiles*)
I just have been checking up with Rob (just arrived home again this afternoon).
He says his lungs are almost free again. But he still has these fever attacks and bad headaches.
If this doesn’t get better in the next days he should see a doctor, because then it is not a normal flu (he even agrees with that).
I will call Rob tomorrow to give him some extra food-advises to help to strength his condition, if he knows those not already.
As said before, vitamins and alike can not cure the virus (still assuming it is a virus), but good food can surely bring your body in a better condition to handle the effects.