{"id":267,"date":"2008-12-09T09:56:54","date_gmt":"2008-12-09T09:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/ourladyofweightloss\/2008\/12\/what-is-the-flu-and-will-it-ki.html"},"modified":"2008-12-09T09:56:54","modified_gmt":"2008-12-09T09:56:54","slug":"what-is-the-flu-and-will-it-ki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/ourladyofweightloss\/2008\/12\/what-is-the-flu-and-will-it-ki.html","title":{"rendered":"What is the flu and will it kill you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Flu.jpg\"<\/span>
\nFlu <\/a>(noun):<\/strong>
\n1: an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease [syn: influenza, grippe]
\nWhat is the flu and will it kill you?<\/strong>
\nThe flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be mild or severe and at times, it can even lead to death.
\nStatistics show that on average, in the United States, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu (some years are clearly more virulent than others); more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications and approximately 36,000 people die!
\nHow does the flu vaccine work?<\/strong>
\nThe influenza vaccine is made by first growing the influenza virus in eggs. It is then killed and processed to create the vaccine, which is then injected under our skin. Note: if you are allergic to eggs, you better tell your doctor fast.
\nOver the next two to four weeks, the body then produces antibodies to the virus. If you come into contact with the influenza bug, your body is set to attack and kill the virus before it has a chance to swing into full force. The vaccine covers the three most likely strains to arrive during the flu season.
\nWhat happens if you are either infected before the two to four weeks that your body is busy producing antibodies? What happens if you are attacked by one of the less likely strains to attack during the flu season? The flu shot is 80% effective, but that’s if it’s for the right flu, and the shot is administered at the right time.
\nWho should get the flu vaccine? And who should not?
\nThe Center for Disease Control suggests that the following people get flu shots:
\n\u2022 all children aged 6-23 months;
\n\u2022 adults aged 65 years and older;
\n\u2022 persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
\n\u2022 all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
\n\u2022 residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
\n\u2022 children aged 6 months-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
\n\u2022 health-care workers involved in direct patient care; and
\n\u2022 out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged 6 months.
\nAnd the CDC suggests that the following people do NOT get flu shots:
\n\u2022 persons with a severe allergy (i.e., anaphylactic allergic reaction) to hens’ eggs and
\n\u2022 persons who previously had onset of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome during the 6 weeks after receiving influenza vaccine.
\nWhat does Our Lady of Weight Loss say?
\nNatural flu busters are a good idea.<\/strong>
\n* Green tea<\/a><\/strong> – Studies show that Green tea is a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial remedy. It is natural immune system booster that may help you get you through this flu season (and it has been reported that it aids in weight loss).
\n* Garlic<\/a><\/strong> – Long used as a natural antibiotic and antiviral, Garlic acts as a “mucokineti” agent. It alleviates congestion commonly associated with flu. Caution: Garlic is a blood thinner. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you are currently on an aspirin or prescription blood thinner regimen.
\n* Vitamin C<\/a><\/strong> – Many studies have shown Vitamin C to boost the immune system.
\n* Fruits and Vegetables<\/a><\/strong> – be sure to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
\n* Water<\/a><\/strong> – drink plenty of it. Flush those toxins out of your body.
\n* Sleep<\/a><\/strong> – get enough rest.
\nSpread the word … NOT the icing!
\nJanice
\n________________________
\nJanice Taylor is a Life & Wellness Coach<\/a>, Cert. Hypnotist, author,columnist, seminar leader and 50 pound big-time-loser.
\nFollow her on Twitter<\/a>!
\nWant a free Weight Loss<\/a> Consult?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Flu (noun): 1: an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease [syn: influenza, grippe] What is the flu and will it kill you? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be mild or severe and at times, it can even lead to death. 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