There is nothing fun about the flu. It interrupts your daily life and leaves you feeling sore, achy, feverish, and fatigued for a few days. If you’re extra lucky, you’ll even get to experience sore throat, coughing, and chills along with your other symptoms. For most people, the flu is a minor inconvenience that simply means a sick day curled up on the couch with a bowl of soup and a cup of tea. Yes, you’ll likely be miserable, but there’s nothing life-threatening to be worried about. For others, contracting the flu could be deadly. It is essential to know if you are in the high-risk flu group so that you can take proper precautions. Here’s how to tell.
Adults over 65
Each year that passes puts your immune system at a greater risk. You are not able to bounce back from illness as quickly, and you are more likely to develop chronic health problems such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or other bacterial infections.
Pregnant women
Pregnancy is not exactly easy on the body. You are experiencing a mass of hormonal changes that impact the heart, lungs, and even the immune system. Flu could result in hospitalization and may even prove dangerous for the developing fetus.
Those with asthma
Even if your asthma is mild, you should pay careful attention if you develop the flu. Because asthma impacts the airway, additional inflammation from the flu could compromise your breathing even further. Those with asthma are also more likely to develop pneumonia and other respiratory diseases as a result of the flu.
Children
Though it seems like children can bounce back from any scrape with ease, the same cannot be said for the flu. Unfortunately, the flu is incredibly common among children due to improper hygiene practices and close conditions such as school and daycare that allow for the spread of germs. Children under two years old are at the most considerable risk for flu-related complications; however, parents should carefully observe any children under five.
Those with a weakened immune system
Whether you are already sick or are on medication that weakens your immune system, it is critical to be extra careful when you know you are at an increased risk of contracting the flu. Many diseases, such as neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and liver disorders, can impact your immune system. You are also compromised if you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, have HIV/AIDS, or are on
steroid medications.
What to do if you are at high risk?
Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Believe it or not, sleep is the body’s best way of fighting off foreign invaders. During flu season (and all the time), make sure that you are getting at least eight hours of sleep and going to bed and getting up around the same time every morning.
Carefully monitor your symptoms
The flu usually comes on suddenly and lasts a few days, with your symptoms generally improving over this time. If you notice your symptoms getting worse or if you have a sustained fever, seek medical attention as you may have a secondary bacterial infection.
Preventative care
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
- Stay at home if you’re sick
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
Drink plenty of water
One of the greatest dangers of the flu is the possibility of dehydration. If you feel symptoms coming on, make sure to drink extra water to keep your body hydrated and functional. Throughout your illness, herbal tea may be a soothing alternative as it can help ease the pain of a sore throat and keep you from becoming dehydrated.
Emergency warning signs:
If you or your children exhibit any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or interacting
- So irritable he/she does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever that does not respond to medication or is accompanied by a rash
Adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
What is your favorite at-home flu remedy? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson