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January 25, 2006
Flu Season Update and New Guidelines
Recently two drugs, rimantadine and amantadine, that have been used to fight the most common strain of influenza were found by the Centers for Disease Control to be largely ineffective against the strain of flu which is currently prevalent in the US. The American Lung Association encourages everyone at high risk, especially those with asthma and other lung diseases, to get vaccinated against the flu. It’s not too late to get vaccinated as the flu season lasts through March.
If you display symptoms of the flu such as fever, chills, loss of appetite, and body aches we recommend that you see your physician as soon as possible as an effective medication is still available which, if taken at the onset of the flu, can shorten the course. Consult with your doctor before taking any medication.
In addition, to help prevent the spreading of the influenza virus, practice good flu health habits. Wash your hands often, keep your distance if you are sick, and stay home if you’re sick so as not to infect others.
How are you beating the flu this season? Please send us your good health habits.
Posted by lungblogposter at 06:39 AM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2006
Flu Season Has Begun
Fortunately, there is currently no widespread flu being reported in the U.S. We have seen some news reports about an outbreak in Phoenix, Arizona. It is still not too late to vaccinate yourself against the flu – especially if you have a lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis (COPD) or lung cancer. If you weren’t able to get a flu shot this year I recommend that you do all you can to keep your body strong – that means getting your rest, eating well and don’t smoke. Washing your hands is one of the first lines of defense against spreading germs. Also, stay home if you are sick. The flu is very contagious, and by going to work, you’re just going to spread it to your co-workers.
So, how do you know you have the flu or just a cold? The flu will come on suddenly, while a cold typically begins slowly. With the flu you usually have a fever; a cold may not. Basically, with the flu you feel like your whole body has been beaten up. Even your hair hurts.
Remember, you can still spread germs up to 7 days after getting sick.
Posted by lungblogposter at 07:00 AM | Comments (1)
January 02, 2006
Happy New Year!
Did you give up smoking this year? Congratulations! Tell us how you did it. You might be just the right encouragement for someone who is trying to quit.
If you want to quit, we can help. Call our quit smoking specialists at 1-800-LUNG-USA or use our free FFS Online program. Here’s to a smokefree 2006!
Posted by lungblogposter at 09:00 AM | Comments (7)
