Where can You get the Cheapest Tamiflu?

Of course, when you end up with the flu and need to buy medication, the first question that comes to mind is where to get the cheapest Tamiflu?  No one plans ahead or expects to get sick and unless you can afford quality insurance and prescription coverage, flu medication is often an out-of-pocket expense.  Unfortunately, it is far from being cheap.

Tamiflu is an antiviral agent that is manufactured exclusively under the name by Hoffmann-La Roche Limited.  It is used to treat influenza in individuals who have showed symptoms for no longer than two days maximum.  Alternatively, it can also be used as a preventative medication for family members who have been exposed to the virus.  Unfortunately if you are looking for the cheapest Tamiflu, you will be pretty disappointed to learn that you can expect to spend right around $80 for these 10 capsules.

Is a Prescription Needed?

Even if you go searching for the cheapest Tamiflu online you will find that its about the same price and yes, a prescription is required.  The only good thing about shopping online is that when your local pharmacy runs out of the medication, you will be able to find what you need online from websites in the United States and Canada.

Is There a Generic Version?

Individuals looking for the cheapest Tamiflu may be a bit relieved to hear that there is a generic version or oseltamavir phosphate that is sold under the name of Antiflu.  It is used to speed up the recovery of the flu symptoms as long as it is started within 48 hours of contracting the virus.  Additionally, it can also be used like Tamiflu to prevent exposed family members from getting sick.

Antiflu is taken twice daily for a total of five days just like Tamiflu and should also be taken with food or milk.  The most common side effects reported have been abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.  Some people have experienced insomnia, bronchitis and even vertigo.  While it is sold for $60 which is about $20 less than the cheapest Tamiflu, it does seem to have worse side effects reported.

What About Relenza?

Relenza is another option people are turning to for treatment for the flu virus.  Using a diskhaler device, the medicine is delivered straight to the infection that is in your lungs.  Relenza destroys the chemicals that are on the influenza virus from multiplying and then spreading.  It is only safe in children over 5 and it is not recommended for individuals with asthma or those who are over 65, pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medication is also administered twice daily for five days but it is a fine powder that is inhaled into your lungs.  While it is only $50 per inhaler, there have been reports of individuals having difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, rash and swelling of the throat and face.  If you feel that you are having an allergic reaction to Relenza, you need emergency care immediately.

Is Tamiflu Safe for Children?

There has been a bit of controversy over whether Tamiflu is safe or beneficial for young children.  Many scientists have suggested that the powerful anti-viral reaction has little effect on the duration of the flu in children yet puts them at a significantly higher risk for complications.  In fact, it has been found that in comparison, children only seem to get better less than 24 hours sooner with medication than without it.   Also, children who did not take Tamiflu experienced milder symptoms overall.  Side effects in children include:

• Nausea – At least 29 percent of children experience nausea.

• Vomiting and Diarrhea – Children who took Tamiflu had serious cases of vomiting and diarrhea which is dangerous can can lead to dehydration.

• Nightmares – Nearly 18 percent of children on Tamiflu experienced severe nightmares.

• Stomach Pain and Cramps – One fifth experienced extreme stomach pain and cramping.

• Headaches – Over one quarter of children complained of constant headaches.

If you are looking for the cheapest Tamiflu for your child, you may want to talk to your doctor about the risks, side effects and explore other treatment options if necessary.

Are you trying to figure out where to get a flu shot?  While in the past, they have been a bit inconvenient to find and there always seems to be shortages, this year they are accessible for everyone.  For a few years in a row, it seemed that parents were scrambling to find shots for their children after finding out that their school may not have been providing them.  Not to mention, the individuals working non traditional hours were finding it nearly impossible to find a location offering them at a time that worked with their schedule.  Today, with how serious the virus has become, if you are wondering where to get a flu shot, the answer is nearly everywhere.

2010 Flu Vaccines

While there were promises of no shortages last year for 2009, the sudden required production of having to produce H1N1 Influenza vaccines got in the way of manufacturers keeping their word about the seasonal flu shot.

With more than 155 million doses made of the seasonal flu vaccine this year as well as several new manufacturers working on production, it should be possible and convenient for everyone to receive a shot who wants one.  This is good news since the ACIP is advising all individuals over six month old to receive the vaccine this year.  If you haven’t already figured out the answer to your, “Where to get the flu shot?” question, you may want to put that at the top of your priority list since the season has already started.

Fortunately, no one is talking about any vaccine shortages this year so if you have dropped the ball a bit due to a busy schedule,  you should still have no problem finding them for you and your family.  Keep in mind that there is a vaccine available this year that also protects against the swine flu as well.

Where to get a Flu Shot

If you have children and you are wondering where to get a flu shot, you should begin with your pediatrician.  For individuals of any age, there are an abundance of pharmacies and grocers such as Walgreens, CVC or Kroger as well as community centers, office parks, churches, schools and shopping malls that are offering convenient hours including evenings and weekends so everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated.

The website for the American Lung Association or Maxim Health Systems also has directories by area of where you can go to get a shot. Of course, regardless of where you live, you can always contact your local health department or even city courthouse for guidance of where to go.

It is important to keep in mind that many locations that are not a doctor’s office will not administer a shot to children under the age of four so you may want to call ahead first.

Problems Finding a Shot?

Right now there should not be any shortages finding a shot.  However,  there may be delays in some areas of new shipments once stock runs low.  Therefore, don’t pass up the opportunity to get a shot.  You may be tempted to wait until next week when you know that you have a day off to rest and recover but there is no way to know if you will be able to find any available or if you will have to wait for a new batch to arrive, leaving you unprotected.

Additionally, since children under nine years old who have never received immunization will require two doses, three weeks apart, you will want to get started as soon as possible to make sure that you will have the second shot administered before the virus really starts circulating through schools.  Deliveries of shots usually continue on for several months so even if you can’t find one right away, keep looking.

Free Flu Shots

While flu shots are not very expensive, when you are deciding where to get a flu shot, you should know that many locations offer them for free.  No, your vaccination is not any better if you pay for it, they are all the same.  Free shots are usually found at churches, schools and health departments.

As the world has unfortunately seen, swine flu effects can be quite devastating, resulting in death.  This respiratory disease is caused by very specific viruses that infect respiratory tracts in pigs, resulting in decreased appetite, barking cough, nasal secretions and listless behavior.  The swine flu offers quite similar symptoms in both pigs and humans.

Swine Flu Effects

Since the disease is still considered new and it has the ability to mutate and worsen at any time it is hard to be aware of all of the effects but with more and more cases, experts are learning a significant amount of information about this virus.

Swine flu effects can vary from person to person depending on age, the individual’s overall health and how quickly the virus is treated.  In general, at least 95 percent of people who become infected with the swine flu feel downright miserable but most will recover with no complications.

Individuals with a depressed immune system see far worse outcomes than healthy individuals and mortality rate is highest in this category.  Additionally, young adults and children under the age of two are seeing some of the worst swine flu effects out of the affected population as well.

Primary viral pneumonia is found to be the leading cause of death with the swine flu because severe pneumonia often results in either organ failure or worsening of underlying chronic obstructive airway disease or asthma.  In nearly 30 percent of fatal cases, secondary bacterial infections have been to blame and respiratory failure results.

Unlike the seasonal flu, this virus travels deeper into the lungs to cause viral pneumonia.  When this happens, the lungs experience severe damage which can quickly lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome which is a life-threatening condition.  Patients who have a viral infection that persist will often develop swine flue effects of seizures as well.

Treatment

Vaccination is the best prevention for the swine flu.  There are two antiviral agents that are suggested to reduce swine flu effects being Tamiflu and Relenza.  However, these must be started no later than within 48 hours of becoming infected with the virus for them to be effective.  It is also important to note that these drugs should not be overused because the virus will become immune to the medicine.

Of course, the problem with these medications is that health care experts are suggesting that just because you feel sick does not mean that you need to go to the doctor or the hospital.  Many doctors suggest just staying in bed and allowing the virus time to run its course.  So, how are you suppose to start medication within 48 hours?  Good question!  There’s a lot of conflicting recommendations and opinions when it comes to seeking medical care so you’re best to use your own best judgment of when you think that you need it.

Prevention

Aside from the vaccination there are also preventative measures that you can take to prevent catching and spreading the virus.  Symptomatic individuals need to stay home, avoid crowded places and take off of school or work until the disease is not contagious anymore which can be from two to three weeks.

Coughing, nasal secretions and sneezing must be kept from other people by using tissues and then immediately disposing of them.  The CDC recommends to schools and employers that if an individual shows up with flu symptoms, they should be sent home immediately and they should not return unless they show no fever without the aid of fever reducers.

Individuals who believe that they are seeing swine flu symptoms need to seek medical attention and be cautious of infecting other people on their way to the doctor’s office or emergency room.  Swine flu effects can be fatal when left untreated so it is crucial to tend to your illness in a timely manner.

If you are asking yourself this question, you are certainly not alone.  In fact, more than ever, people are running to see their doctor at the first sign of a runny nose or fever which is leaving medical professionals quite overwhelmed.  With such a scare over the H1N1 virus, it is important to educate yourself on symptoms to watch for and to know when to make a doctor’s appointment and when to simply stay in bed.

What’s the Confusion About?

It is really quite difficult to answer the, “What are the swine flu symptoms?” question because the virus doesn’t offer its own precise menu of symptoms.  In fact, the symptoms are so similar to the traditional flu virus that many people are leaving their illness untreated until it progresses into something more serious.

Nearly everyone who has had the swine flu experiences a high fever of around 102 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or even a degree higher in children.  Other common symptoms include fatigue, headache, cough and nasal secretions which are also present in the influenza virus.  Some individuals also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, especially children.  This is where the swine flu starts getting incredibly dangerous because vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration in individuals who aren’t able to supply themselves with enough liquids to make up for what they are losing.

Why Prompt Treatment is Important

If you are asking, “What are the swine flu symptoms?” you should also be wondering why they are so dangerous.  This is a deadly illness that will often lead to pneumonia, seizures and death.  Of course, not everyone who becomes infected with the virus will see severe effects.

Should the virus remain in your upper respiratory system, you are likely to be fine.  However, if it travels to your lungs, your odds of dying are increased by as much as eight percent or more.  Once acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs, chance of death is nearly 50 percent.  This is because the flu burrows itself deep in your lungs, destroying the alveoli which will often cause your lungs to fail.

Deceased individuals who have experienced this frequently have lungs that appear highly blistered and fluid build up or excessive bleeding in the lungs is suggested to be the cause of death.  In fact, it is common for affected individuals to cough up blood due to the cellular damage that is caused by immune response.

Another cause of death is multi-system organ failure.  This can occur due to insufficient oxygen levels in the individual’s  blood or because of some type of secondary bacterial infection.  Therefore, the swine flu isn’t even listed as the primary cause of death in all cases because it essentially paves a nice path for secondary infections, some of the most common ones are bacterial pneumonia, staph infection and strep throat.

Prevention

The swine flu vaccine is highly recommended to not only protect yourself but also to reduce the risk of you spreading the virus to others around you.  If you start showing any kind of symptoms, stay away from other people!  The reason these viruses are so dangerous is because they are spread so easily.  There are also a few other things you can do to protect yourself from this violent virus:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.  If you have small children in your home, they should be instructed to do so as well, until they fall into the habit of doing it themselves.

• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands when soap and water are not available, especially in public after you touch anything that someone else could have infected.

• Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.  The virus gets into your system through these mucus membranes.

• The last thing you can do if you are worried about the virus and wondering, “What are the swine flu symptoms?” is to avoid crowded areas such as shopping centers, subways, etc.

While a sore throat and fever are common symptoms of the flu as well as the cold in children, they could also be symptoms of other illnesses as well.  The large majority of the world’s population has a sore throat and fever at least once a year or more.  So, what do you do when you experience this combination?  Do you need to go to the doctor right away?  Should you be taking over-the-counter medication or do you need a prescription?  These are all questions that may go through your mind so it is helpful to know how to handle your symptoms effectively so you can feel better faster!

Causes

• Viruses – The large number of viruses that circulate  around every year are primarily to blame for the sore throat and fever combination.  Unfortunately, none of these are treatable with antibiotics.  They can cause a really high fever and the best thing you can do is stay in bed, away from other people and drink plenty of fluids.

• Cold and Cough – The common cold can cause quite a severe sore throat.  Although a fever is not usually present in adults with a cold, it is with children.

• Strep Throat – This is one of the few illnesses that causes these symptoms that is treatable with antibiotics.  In fact, antibiotics are a must to avoid serious health complications from the strep bacteria.

• Allergies – While allergies do not cause painful or sudden sore throats, they can cause that irritation along with a fever.

• Coxsackie Virus – This is a mouth, hand and foot disease.  The virus causes an extremely high fever, sore throat and canker sores on the cheeks, throat, lips and gums.

When are Antibiotics Needed?

Although you would assume that antibiotics would always be needed to treat a sore throat and fever, they are usually only given out with strep throat.  Antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria not viruses so taking them with the common cold or flu would serve no purpose.

It is also  important to note that antibiotics always offer a risk of allergic reaction each time they are taken which can be mild to severe.  They can also cause an upset stomach and diarrhea as well.  Not to mention, bacteria can become easily resistant to antibiotics if they are over used.

Treating a Sore Throat

While there isn’t a whole lot that you can do to treat a fever, you can make your sore throat a little more tolerable.

• Herbal Tea – There are quite a few herbal teas that will soothe your throat.  Not to mention, green tea is used in many cultures to treat the flu so these are drinks that are good for you and will help you feel better.  You will find that there are medicinal teas that are designed to coat a sore throat.  You may also want to try wild cherry, licorice root or slippery elm as well.

• Honey and Lemon – While many people see great benefits from adding this combination to their tea, you can also make a syrup with it and drink it straight.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – There are many healing uses of apple cider vinegar.  You can either drink it straight or mix a bit with honey and/or water.  Alternatively, you can also mix it with water and salt and gargle with it.

• Zinc – Pop one of these lozenges in your mouth and just allow it time to dissolve and work its magic.

• Garlic – Slice a garlic clove in half and put one in each cheek and suck on them just like a cough drop, pressing them against your teeth to release their healing chemicals.

Gargles

In addition to gargling with apple cider vinegar, there are a few other helpful alternatives you can try.

• Salt Water – Dissolve a good amount of salt in some lukewarm water and gargle.

• Sage – One teaspoon of sage mixed with one cup of water is a great remedy.  Gargle three times per day.

• Aloe Vera – If you don’t have a plant handy for this sore throat and fever remedy, stop at a health food store and pick up pure aloe vera juice to gargle with it.  If you have a plant, dissolve the gel well with water.

• Garlic – Boil one clove of garlic with about a cup of water.  Allow to cool to lukewarm temperature and then gargle with the liquid.

Taking the proper recommended dosage of Tamiflu is extremely important in individuals of all ages.  This antiviral drug slows down the spread of the influenza virus in the cells of the individual’s body by chemically cutting the ties it has created with its host.  It was first introduced in 1999 and has been used to treat and prevent both influenza virus A and B.

Oseltamivir is the chemical in Tamiflu and although it is not effective by itself, once it is in the liver, it goes through a natural chemical conversion process to actively produce carboxylate.  It is a neuraminidase inhibitor that acts as a competitive inhibitor in regards to sialic acid that are found in the host’s cells.  By blocking this viral activity, new particles are unable to be released.

Who Can Take Tamiflu?

Under supervision, the proper dosage of Tamiflu is considered safe for most individuals.  It is FDA-approved for flu prevention and treatment in individuals above the age of one year old.  It is available as a capsule or as a fruit flavored liquid in a dosing dispenser.  You cannot take Tamiflu if you are allergic to oseltamivir phosphate. You should tell your doctor if:

• You are either pregnant or nursing.  The effects of Tamiflu on a fetus or a nursing infant are not yet known.  If you are planning to become pregnant in the near future, this needs to be discussed as well before you take the drug.

• You have heart, respiratory or kidney disease or if you have any other type of serious health condition.

• You have received FluMist or any other type of nasally administered virus vaccine in the past two weeks.

• You have fructose intolerance in your family history.

How to Take Tamiflu

Following the recommended dosage of Tamiflu is extremely important.  For prevention uses, it should be taken one dose every day for 10 days.  For flu treatment, Tamiflu is taken two times per day for five days in a row and it is imperative that you take all of the doses.  It is important to note that one capsule is 75 mg and is standard for individuals 18 years old and up.  The dosage for children depends on weight but on average:

• Under 33 pounds = 30 mg doses

• From 34 to 51 pounds = 45 mg doses

• Between 52 and 88 pounds = 60 mg doses

• Over 89 pounds = 75 mg doses

If you happen to have problems with your kidney, your doctor may prescribe you a different dosage.  Ideally, treatment will begin within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms.  Tamiflu can be taken either with or without food however, most individuals find that here is less stomach upset when taken with milk, a light snack or a meal.

Should you happen to forget a dose, you need to take the missed capsule when you remember.  However, if it is within two hours of your next dosage, skip it and take it at the next scheduled time.  Never take two doses at one time to try and make up for one that you missed.  Should you miss more than one dose, seek advice from your doctor on how you should handle it.

Storage Information

Capsules of Tamiflu should always be stored around 77 degrees Fahrenheit which is average  room temperature and they need to be kept in a place that is dry and out of direct sunlight.  Oral Tamiflu is safely stored in your refrigerator for 17 days.  Do not attempt to freeze!  It does not have to be refrigerated though, if you prefer to keep it at room temperature you can do so for 10 days.  Always keep Tamiflu in a safe place where children cannot get to it.

Administering Oral Tamiflu

The dosage for oral suspension needs to be precise as they are  regulated by the child’s weight.  If the child spits some out and you give another full dose, this could be dangerous.  It is important to follow directions and use the provided dispenser.

If Tamiflu liquid is unavailable, you may be instructed to use a certain amount of an opened capsule mixed with a sweetened liquid.  Only administer this type of dosage of Tamiflu under a doctor’s recommendation.

Millions of people every year find themselves looking for a natural flu remedy.  Getting rid of the flu isn’t really a possibility but what you can do is take care of yourself in such a way that you build your immune system so that signs and symptoms are reduced, allowing you to feel a bit more comfortable.

It is important to first understand that influenza is not at all the same thing as gastroenteritis, otherwise known as the stomach flu.  Gastroenteritis is an intestinal  infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting while the influenza flu virus attacks the respiratory tract.  The flu can be life-threatening to the elderly, children, smokers and individuals who have chronic respiratory ailments.  In fact, the number of people who die from this virus every year is several hundred thousand and the number continues to rise.

Because the virus mutates so readily, it is nearly impossible to find a cure but you can focus on prevention and using a natural flu remedy early enough that the illness isn’t given the chance to worsen.

Flu Prevention

It is always a good idea to stay away from highly populated areas while the virus is going around.  Although social contact is often unavoidable since eventually you probably do need to go to the grocery store, bank and even the gas station, you can reduce your risk for picking up the virus.  Avoid touching railings and doorknobs with your bare hands and use an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash your hands after you do.  Additionally, keep in mind that money is a breeding ground for germs so be sure to clean your hands well after handling any.

When you are in public, do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth and most importantly, if you aren’t feeling well, stay home!  Do not spread your germs around everywhere you go, nobody wants them.

It is also  important to manage your stress levels.  When you get stressed out, your immune system becomes depressed and you are not able to fight off infection as easily.  If you are someone who is anxious or stressed a lot in either your personal or business life, take the time for meditation everyday and perhaps participate in yoga.

Natural Flu Remedies

• Green Tea – This is an extremely effective natural flu remedy.  For centuries, Pacific Islanders and Asia dwellers have been using green tea to prevent and treat the flu.  Studies have proven that the leaves contain a chemical compound that stimulates the cells that are responsible for repairing both lung and intestinal damage.

• Echinacea – This has been used as an immune system stimulant for a long time and if you aren’t taking advantage of it, you are certainly missing out.  Echinacea is available in powder, tea or pill form and it is recommended that as soon as you experience flu symptoms, to take a high dosage to boost your immune system.

• Black Elderberry Extract – Studies have suggested that nearly 90 percent of flu sufferers who were given black elderberry extract were cured of all symptoms in 2 to 3 days.

• Vitamin C – Nothing can be better for you than vitamin C.  If you are not getting enough of this vitamin in your diet, take a supplement.  You should also get in the habit of adding lemon to your water and tea during the flu season as well since they contain high vitamin C content.

• Garlic – There are endless health benefits to be received from garlic and fighting off the flu is just an added bonus.

• Gelsemium – This is used to treat sore throats, chills, headache, fever, weakness and lack of thirst.  In its homeopathic form the fresh root is chopped and soaked in alcohol.  Then it is strained and diluted to the proper potency.

• Arsenicum – If you have lack of hunger and thirst, body aches and feel significantly worse at night, this is the perfect natural flu remedy for you.  Technically speaking, this is arsenic that has been diluted to a very weak and safe preparation potency to treat not only flu symptoms but also dehydration, burning pains, food poisoning, indigestion, asthma, anxiety, anemia, dizziness, headaches and tiredness.

Most people are confused when it comes to identifying the flu v cold.  If you are like many others, you are probably wondering which one you have and how to treat your symptoms properly so that you can feel better faster.  It is more important than you realize that you can tell the difference between the two.  While a cold is a respiratory illness like the flu, it is much milder and symptoms generally only last for a few days, the flu is much more severe and can leave you feeling miserable for weeks.  Not to mention, many people die from the flu every year so it is crucial for it to be recognized and treated properly.

Cold Symptoms and Duration

When comparing flu v cold, it is necessary to thoroughly take a look at both illnesses.  Colds typically start with a sore throat that will often go away in a couple days.  Runny nose as well as congestion follows shortly after and by the fourth or fifth day, a pretty good cough has probably developed.  Children often have a fever but adults rarely do.  When you have a cold, your nasal secretions are very watery in the beginning and then they get darker and thicker.

A cold usually lasts a total of a week.  You are contagious and should stay away from people the first three days.  Rest is about the best thing for a cold so call in sick and stay in bed!

Flu Symptoms and Duration

Now to look at the other side of the flu v cold comparison, you will find a lot of similarities but also a few extreme differences.  While the flu symptoms are like the cold, they are much more severe leaving you weaker, achy, more tired and a high fever is almost always present.  Not to mention, there are no warning signs with the flu.  When you are coming down with a cold, you often know a day or two in advance by a scratchy throat so you have time to boost your immune system with extra vitamins and natural remedies.  However, with the flu, symptoms come on fast!  It is not uncommon to leave for work in the morning feeling a little off and by lunch be burning up and longing for your bed.

Most of the symptoms of the flu will  improve very slowly over the next three to five days but you can feel rundown for another week.  Pneumonia is a complication often resulted from the flu, especially with the elderly, children or individuals with heart or lung problems.  Anytime you experience a shortness of breath with the flu, you need to see a doctor.

Both cold and flu viruses enter into your body via mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes and nose.  Keep in mind that every single time you touch one of these areas, it is quite possible that you are infecting yourself.

When to Call a Doctor

It is not always necessary to venture to the doctor’s office at the first sign of a cold or the flu.  Since antibiotics will not treat either virus, your doctor will probably tell you to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids and then provide you with a bill.  However, it is also important to understand that while the flu and the cold will remedy themselves most of the time, there are some symptoms that absolutely warrant a doctor visit.

• Painful Swallowing – A sore throat will cause discomfort but if you are experiencing severe pain, you could have strep throat that absolutely must be treated by a doctor.

• Persistent Fever – This very well could be an indication that you have some other type of bacterial infection.

• Persistent Headaches and Congestion – Severe congestion can lead to sinus passage blockage which can result in a sinus infection.  After a week if you have pain around your eyes and/or a thick nasal discharge, you may need antibiotics.

• Persistent Coughing – If your cough persists longer than two weeks you could have bronchitis which also may need antibiotics.

You should also visit a doctor immediately if you experience severe chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness or persistent vomiting.  As you see, the flu v cold signs are very similar and will usually both remedy themselves but severe symptoms should not be taken lightly.

The tummy flu, otherwise known as gastroenteritis or stomach virus is an irritation in the intestines and stomach.  Although it is commonly confused with the influenza virus, especially in young children since flu symptoms in children are so similar, the two illnesses have nothing to do with one another.

This type of stomach irritation is also commonly referred by many people as being the 24-hour flu since it typically goes away without any outside treatment in about one day.

Causes

Any germs that have found their way into your body to cause a tummy flu probably got there through your mouth.  There are many different viruses that can cause this illness such as noroviruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, astroviruses and sapoviruses.  Contrary to popular belief, the stomach flu is not caused by bacteria, parasites or various types of medication.

Symptoms

Nearly everyone who has gastroenteritis is affected with the same symptoms.  Watery diarrhea and vomiting  are common and may be accompanied with fever, headache and abdominal cramps.  Symptoms typically don’t begin for at least 1 to 2 days after infection and they may last up to 12 days.

Is it Serious?

Nearly everyone who has a stomach flu recovers without any negative long-term side effects.  It is not considered a serious or dangerous illness unless dehydration occurs.  This is especially common in babies, young children, elderly or disabled individuals who are not able to care for themselves and replace the fluids that they are losing fast enough.  Additionally, immune compromised individuals are also at higher risk for infection because they typically are affected more severely from the virus.  It is not uncommon for these individuals to require hospitalization to correct or prevent dehydration.

It is important to understand that the tummy flu is contagious.  Viruses that are responsible are spread just as easily through close contact with another individual who is infected.  However, most people receive the illness through ingesting contaminated beverages and food.

How do the Viruses Contaminate Food?

Food is easily contaminated by handlers or preparers who have a virus and do not take the time to wash their hands thoroughly after they use the bathroom.  Shellfish is a number one culprit as it can easily be contaminated with sewage.  Also, if you eat undercooked or raw shellfish that is contaminated, a severe case of diarrhea is inevitable.  In some areas, water can also become contaminated and spread the virus.

Treatment

Preventing severe fluid loss is the most important form of treatment.  This should begin at home.  Doctors will often recommend that adults drink Gatoraid or other sport drinks with electrolytes and salted pretzels usually help retain water.

If you have young children or infants in your home, an oral rehydration solution should always be kept on hand for these types of situations.  Be sure to follow directions precisely and use boiled or clean water.  It is important to note that antibiotics have absolutely no effect on viruses and should be avoided unless a qualified medical professional recommends them.

Prevention

As with any other illness, prevention is key!  You can significantly reduce your chance of being infected by a stomach virus through frequent hand washing and promptly cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces that could be contaminated.  Always wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly and stay away from any food that is questionable.

Currently there are also two licensed rotovirus vaccines that are available to prevent the tummy flu as well.  These are primarily used in young children and infants to prevent the risk of dehydration.

Every year, millions of people find themselves wondering how to prevent the flu.  While maintaining a healthy immune system is the best way to prevent being plagued by the virus, there are quite a few other things that you an do to reduce your risk as well.

• Vaccine – Most individuals who ask their doctor how to prevent the flu are told to get a flu vaccine.  This is especially true for children, individuals who care for children under six months old, pregnant women, the elderly and those with asthma or diabetes.  While the flu shot may not seem like the most natural choice, it is regarded as the most effective.

• Wash Your Hands – This could be the single most important thing that you do all season.  Most viruses are spread incredibly easy by direct contact.  If someone who is infected sneezes in their hand and then proceeds to touch a computer keyboard, telephone, etc., the virus can stay alive for hours or even weeks.  Then, the next unfortunate person who touches the object can pick the virus up.  If there isn’t a sink available for you to wash your hands, you can use a hand sanitizer that is alcohol-based.

• Watch for Coughs and Sneezes – You simply have to cough or sneeze sometimes however, you should always do so into the inner portion of your elbow, never your hand.  Since viruses can cling onto your bare hands, you run the risk of spreading them to others.

• Don’t Touch Your Face – You really need to make a point to not touch your face unless your hands are freshly washed.  Viruses are happy to enter your body through your eyes, mouth and nose.  Face touching is the primary reason behind the spreading of viruses and germs in children.

• Stay Hydrated – As you drink water, it not only hydrates you but it also washes the toxins away as well.  A healthy adult should be drinking eight 8-ounce size glasses of water every day. You can tell if you are getting enough water if your urine is close to clear.  If it is dark, you need more liquids.

• Exercise – Another natural method on how to prevent the flu is exercise.  Your body needs a daily dose of some type of aerobic exercise to speed your heart up to pump larger blood quantities.  This allows you to breathe faster and transfer oxygen to your blood from your lungs which causes you to sweat.  Aerobic exercise helps to increase your body’s cells that work to kill viruses.

• Don’t Smoke – Individuals who smoke are far more likely to get the cold or flu than those who don’t.  Even just being around smoke can compromise your immune system.  It paralyzes cilia and dries out nasal passages so viruses aren’t able to be swept away.

• Skip the Alcohol – While one daily glass of wine can be good for you, your immune system is suppressed by heavy alcohol consumption.  Individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol are much more prone to not only initial infections but secondary complications as well.  Not to mention, alcohol dehydrates your body so you are actually losing more fluid than what you put in.

• Rest – Anyone wanting to know how to prevent the flu needs to learn to relax and rest.  Even squeezing 10 minutes of meditation into your day can feel like an hour nap.  Evidence suggests that when you fully relax your body, your interleukins in your immune system respond quicker against viruses.  It is important to understand that true relaxation takes effort.  If you simply do nothing yet you don’t clear your mind, there are no changes in the chemicals within your blood.