With the flu season already making its presence felt for the year 2008-2009, families may be queuing up for the flu shot. Prevention is of course better than cure and it is advisable to be well-armed to handle this bug.
Each year more than 200,000 people in the US are hospitalized from flu complications of which 20,000 of them are children. And the last flu season was among the most severe when you compare with the previous two-three years. How this season will behave is anybody’s guess. So, one has to be prepared for the onslaught well in advance.
The flu is caused by the RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae and can cause chills, fever, headache, coughing and overall weakness. The H3N2 bug is the one responsible for most of the woes and adequate protection should be sought against this. This is especially important for children between the age range of 6 months to 18 years. If ignored and untreated, flu could translate into pneumonia which can become serious. And also if allowed, then flu can take on epidemic proportions.
Therefore, doctors insist on taking proper care if one has, or does not have, the flu. And just getting the vaccine is not enough, you must also maintain good health habits. There are certain rules of precautions that must be observed during this flu season.
So if you have the flu, remember this:

• Disposable tissues should be used when blowing the nose and hands should be washed properly afterwards.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid use of bar soap which can be a good breeding place for bacteria virus. Instead use liquid hand wash.
• Cover your mouth when you cough.
• Wash your hands as often as possible.
• If you have the flu then do not go out and pass it on to others. Rest at home till the flu is gone. The rest is also important for your body to fight the flu.
• Gargle around four times a day in order to soothe your throat and provide relief. You can use warm water with a little salt in it for the gargle.
• Drink lots of liquids, like water, chicken broth, and other fluids. And eat nutritious food.

And if you don’t have the flu, then stay away from people who do have. Because flu is seriously contagious!