Preventive Treatments
Government agencies and health experts both recommend a yearly flu shot as the best preventive against influenza. Once you get a flu vaccination, it will take two weeks to kick in fully. Those who can should get a flu immunization as soon as possible. There are two types of influenza shots--one is a fluid sprayed in the nose, and the other is an immunization shot.
The nasal spray is a live virus, so it is not given to those with compromised immune systems, people with lung disease, those who are pregnant, and those with breathing problems or those younger than 20 who take aspirin products.
The flu shot is an inactive form of the influenza virus. Flu immunizations result in fewer missed workdays, fewer visits to the doctor’s office and reduce the severity of symptoms, ultimately decreasing the number of people who would develop complications like pneumonia. Shots are effective in 70 to 90 percent of people who are younger than 65. According to a report in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, there is a 50 percent less chance of infants catching the flu if Mom got a flu shot while pregnant.
Though anecdotal evidence may claim otherwise, the shot does not cause the flu in those who are vaccinated. And because influenza strains mutate cyclically, plan on getting a shot every year, or you may succumb to a mutated flu strain next year.
Try Home Treatments
The very first, universal tenet for home treatment of the flu -- and there are those out there who would beg to differ -- is to keep your butt at home, in bed, if at all possible. Truly. This helps prevent the spread of influenza to your coworkers. If the fever bothers you, sponge off with lukewarm water, not cold water or with ice cubes. Drink plenty of fluids. Try over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and a cough suppressant to stop the dry, hacking cough you may have. Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke.