Okay so I am being a bit over dramatic, but seriously we are all being a little extra vigilant these days with this flu virus that has seemingly overtaken the U.S., in what seems to be an overnight infection. You know, at least in China when these things occur they are smart enough to wear face masks to prevent infection...I don't think we've got the memo. But, we are rushing to get the flu vaccine, hopefully trying to wash our hands, and staying home if we are sick. We have seen the news stories of how people are being admitted to the hospitals in rapid high quantities. Although, there are so many news stories- there is still so much confusion as to what is the flu and what is not the flu. Also, what is this strain that has taken us by surprise.
I was taken by surprise myself, when I became infected with this flu virus and it seemed to progress very rapidly. Also, within a neighboring county, a local school has been closed with another virus that is also going around at a rapid pace called the Norovirus. As a parent, of course I ignored my symptoms until I couldn't anymore. I ended up with pneumonia as a result of the flu virus and felt plain awful. I couldn't even blog! I mean how bad is that, you can't even get out of bed to write on a computer in your PJs! I still had to get the kids to school in the mornings, but completely took the week off of house work and dinners. Daddy's in charge! Mom's officially out of commission. It's been about a week since I first showed symptoms of sore throat, ear pain and headache. But I am still battling the nausea and fever. The only good thing that comes from a flu virus is the weight loss! Okay so maybe that's a little bad, but hey there's got to be some type of gold at the end of all this suffering.
So, in an effort of keeping all the parents safe & virus free here are a few tips and facts about the difference between the Flu & Norovirus.
Flu Symptoms: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the flu is a respiratory illness that usually comes on suddenly and can cause mild to severe illnesses, including death. The symptoms include: Cough, Sore Throat, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Muscle or Body Aches, Headaches, Tiredness, and for some it may include fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Complications from the flu are pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections. Basically the Flu is focused in the chest area vs a cold is focused in the head area. The norovirus is focused in the stomach area.
Norovirus Symptoms: The CDC also provides information about the Norovirus. It is also a virus that starts suddenly, but causes stomach cramping, throwing up and diarrhea.
Prevention: The one thing you need to remember is that everyone has to make money to pay the bills, so the likely hood that everyone who is sick will stay home is not a realistic expectation. That also includes our food service industry workers. So, if you don't want to get either one I would suggest making your own food for right now until the large number of cases subside. You also need to WASH YOUR HANDS! Really wash your hands with soap and water, just running water over your hands doesn't count. I always train my children to wash the germs down the drain. It won't stop you 100% from getting infected, but can reduce your chances. Disinfect and keep your work area clean. There are so many germ killing wipes that everyone can afford for a quick wipe throughout the day. You can also get the Flu Vaccine. The vaccine will take up to 10 days to fully prevent infection in your system and then will only give you 40% of not getting the virus, but the other 60% will generally have a shorter infection period and less chance of the complications that result from the flu. You can also get all the latest with Flu Apps with Flu Defender, Flu Near You, Fight the Flu and CDC Flu View. This is just a few that have sprung up, but I'm sure there are many more that I have missed. Each one has it's only little style, but most will tell you the current outbreaks in your area, where you can find a local vaccine clinic and extra tips and tricks to staying healthy.
If all your prevention fails and the evil flu comes your way, I suggest that as soon as you feel the severe sore throat, headache, ear pain, fatigue, get to the doctor. If started within the first 24-48 hours that you show symptoms, the doctor can give you a drug called Tamiflu. The course will normally last about 5 days, but if your someone like me and waits until you get full blown pneumonia you won't be able to use Tamiflu. You will most likely be treated with high dose antibiotics and cough syrup. Tamiflu will stop the flu virus in it's tracks and hopefully prevent any further complications. Oh, how I wish I would have went that route.
Overall it is inevitable that you or your child will get infected with the flu or norovirus, but rest assured no one will be turning into zombies...although if you wait long enough you might look and feel like one for a while. I wish mommies were invincible! But, hopefully you will be able to better define if the flu or norovirus has struck and what you can do to prevent and get treatment.
Until Next Time,
Your Mommy's Rule Blogger!
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