Flu away

It’s flu season, but there’s widespread confusion over what the flu actually is. According the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.” Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and chills, headaches and fatigue.

The CDC recommends that you:

• Drink lots of fluids. Fever and viral infections can be dehydrating, particularly for younger and older people.

• Rest and get plenty of sleep. Your body needs time to recover.

• Take over-the-counter cold and flu medicines. They can treat a variety of symptoms, such as congestion and cough. Tylenol, Advil and Motrin can help ease fever, aches and pains.

• Use steam from a hot shower. It can moisten mucous membranes, open up your sinuses, and promote drainage if you’re congested.

Source: WebMD.com