Bird Flu
        and You

                                     
                                                   Treating Flu Symptoms Sensibly - What To Do If You Think You Have Been Exposed To Flu

 
This short article will be useful to you as it explains some basic principles in a simple, easy, engaging fashion. Hope you like it.

Treating Flu Symptoms Sensibly - What To Do If You Think You Have Been Exposed To Flu

Sarah Jenkins

With the severity of the flu intensifying and deadly strains emerging, it is becoming more essential to know how to treat symptoms and what to do in the case of flu exposure. Luckily, many of the traditional treatments may still be applicable to the more dangerous strains of bird flu, which is a cause for worldwide concern.

If you believe you have been exposed to the flu, you should pay close attention to the onset of symptoms. It is always possible that, even though you have come in contact with an infected person or animal, you will not become infected. The virus travels by saliva and mucus particles and, therefore, may not be transmitted in every case of contact. Proper hygiene and avoidance of the ill may prevent infection. If you liked what you've read so far, you'll love the rest. Now you too can access the resources created by top experts.

However, if symptoms arise you should immediately go to the doctor. Specifically, if you are experiencing body aches in addition to cold symptoms, you are likely suffering from an influenza strain. The reason immediate treatment is needed is to have the option to utilize antiviral medications. These drugs, such as Tamiflu and Relenza, lessen the severity of the symptoms of influenza by controlling the virus. Basically, they are the viral version of antibiotics, but instead of killing the virus, they suppress it. However, these medications must be administered quickly, within two days of the onset of symptoms, to be effective. Therefore, immediate medical care is necessary.

In addition to antiviral medications, there are other traditional treatments you may utilize to nurse your flu symptoms. Adequate fluid intake is one of the most important aspects of fighting influenza. Dehydration is a sign the illness is becoming very severe; therefore, every measure should be taken to assure that does not happen. There are also over-the-counter medications that may be taken to lessen the severity of the symptoms of the flu. Taking acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen to control fever, cold medications, and lozenges will make the illness more bearable as your body fights the virus. It is important to get plenty of rest during this time, as your body must replenish.

After a few days, if the symptoms do not improve or if they become severe, you should return to the doctor. While there is not a miracle drug to treat the flu, you should be monitored by a doctor to ensure worse conditions do not transpire as a result of the viral infection, such as pneumonia.

About the author:

Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Cohn's Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now.
Interesting article isnt it? Well, there are more well-written and exhaustively researched articles not only on this topic but on various other topics here. These articles were written by some of the top experts in their respective fields so you know you are getting the best information on the net.