Flu Fears: What to Look Out for and How to Avoid Getting Infected
Winter usually comes with bouts of sneezes and sniffles, but this year the severity level has gone up a notch. There has been a drastic rise in the number of influenza cases over the past month, and experts worry that this might turn into one of the biggest flu outbreaks in eight years.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) have documented a 73% increase in the number of patients coming to their doctors from flu-related symptoms, both throughout England and Wales. The last major outbreak was in the winter of 1999/2000; an outbreak which Department of Health labeled as an official epidemic. 220 per 100,000 people were affected with severe forms of the influenza, and an estimated 22,000 lost their lives. While the current outbreak is nowhere near as devastating, it has the potential to get much worse.
The Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners reports that in the 51st week of this year, there was a huge increase in the number of documented flu (or flu-related) cases, soaring to 80 infected per 100,000 in the age group of 15 to 44, and to 76 per 100,000 among 45 to 64. The 65+ category, however, is much lower, with statistics of 45 per 100,000 people infected. The young and middle-aged adults therefore take the brunt of the blow. The Guardian attributes this to the idea that these age groups are frequently the most socially active: teenagers and young adults typically go out (either to work or other public places) much more frequently than the over-65s, and often do not stay home when they fall ill.
The elderly are also perhaps less affected due to the widespread availability of the flu-jab to over-65s. Additionally, the lower statistics can possibly be attributed to the fact that people in this age category are less mobile and less socially active, and therefore face a lower risk of being in the presence of someone who might infect them.
If you already suffering from the flu, what do you do to get healthy again, Most health services agree that drinking plenty of fluids, staying home, and getting lots of rest is the best way to go. Taking paracetamol is also effective for bringing down your fever. Additionally, throw your tissues away as soon as youve used them " refrain from storing them in your pocket or under your pillow, and wash your hands frequently, so the bacteria do not get a chance to spread.
If you have not been affected by the current flu outbreak, it is important to take early steps to prevent it from doing so. Medical Doctors and Osteopaths assert that by doing simple things such as blocking your nose with a handkerchief when you sneeze, taking daily vitamins to strengthen your immune system, and washing your hands before meals, you increase your chances of immunity to the flu.
Being ill is never fun, but this recent outbreak of influenza puts quite a dangerous spin on what seems like a common illness. But as long as you take the right precautions and take care of yourself over the frosty season, you may escape the flu.
About the Author: Andrew Mitchell, editor of the Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, osteopaths, London osteopath , back pain, neck pain, injury management. Andrew is interested in many aspects of alternative medicine.
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