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The Flu - What it is and how to cope with it


© Deanna Couras Goodson

Apr 10, 2005


In February, we talked about colds. Sometimes, it's really hard for people to know the difference between a cold and the flu.

What is the flu?

The flu is also known as influenza. Influenza is an infection caused by the influenza virus. (Remember: a virus is a small living thing, a microorganism, that feeds off of our cells and causes us to get sick by making lots of germs.)

The flu has lots of symptoms. Some of them are:

  • cough,
  • fever, usually over 100 degrees,
  • body aches including headaches and stomachaches - you just feel sick all over,
  • sore throat,
  • sinus problems
  • fatigue - and more!

    • Basically, you'll know if you have the flu if you have body aches, an overall feeling of exhaustion (you will just want to relax and/or sleep) and your fever is over 100 degrees.

    If you get the flu, the best thing to do is rest. When you sleep, your body will work hard to fight the flu for you. You should also drink lots of fluids - preferably water and juice. You will also be out of school for a few days because the flu is contagious - that means you could get other people sick. If you have asthma or any other illness, you may receive a flu shot. The flu vaccine is not given to healthy children, generally speaking.

    If you get the flu, chances are you'll have about 4 - 7 days where you'll feel pretty bad. The good news is that it'll pass and you should be back to normal soon! You should see the doctor if:

  • you're sick for longer than a week,
  • your fever is over 105 degrees
  • you have trouble breathing
  • or any of your symptoms become extreme.

    • Related Resources:

    Colds & Flu
    http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTo...

    What do you do if you get the flu?
    http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure...

    Is it a cold or flu?
    http://www.sickkids.on.ca/kidshealth/fal...

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    Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages
    3.   Apr 17, 2005 11:39 AM
    In response to flu or two... posted by Red:

    In my own family, we actually call the doctor at anything over 100. That's because we ...

    -- posted by panndyra
    2.   Apr 13, 2005 6:04 PM
    Deanna,

    Yes, we all get the flu, or two, every year. I was lucky this year until March Break when I came down with Strep Throat. I've been exhausted ever since and now have bronchitis. Not a nice t ...

    -- posted by Red
    1.   Apr 10, 2005 9:07 AM
    thought 105 degrees was an alarm to get help immediately; I thought you should see the Dr. if your fever is over 102 degrees. I know kids run higher fevers, but 105 degrees seems alarming. ...

    -- posted by jerrib



    For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Deanna Couras Goodson's Kids' Health topic, please visit the Discussions page.




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