Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Should you be Worried?

Should You Be Worried?
By: Tiffany Davis
Flavor Vapor Media Specialist

This is just a public reminder to be safe this cold and flu season from the friendly vapor consultants at Flavor Vapor.

All who work with the public and a nightmare for parents, cold and flu season is in full swing. This season however hasn’t started out the same as every other year. This year another disease is hitting close to home and reminding everyone to be caution. Ebola has people scared but do you really need to worry about a disease that has killed thousands?

The USA is very cautious when it comes to a pending out break of an infectious disease. So, in reality I wouldn’t worry about an Ebola outbreak in the USA. Now, if you plan to travel this season I would take extra precaution if you especially if you are in contact with the elderly, children, or have a compromised immune system. Any common cold or flu is easy to catch because it can be airborne. Ebola, is only spread through close contact or bodily fluids. Direct contact means that body fluids (blood, saliva, mucus, vomit, urine, or feces) from an infected person (alive or dead) have touched someone’s eyes, nose, or mouth or an open cut, wound, or abrasion.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out, when needed to tell if a person has the flu.
What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold?
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.

So, this season practice caution when touching doorknobs and other high traffic areas. Here is some easy precautions:

-Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water
-Use your elbow or other body part to open doors when possible instead of your hands.
-Sanitize items you use everyday like your phone with disinfected wipes.
-Avoid touching your face.
-Stay away from anyone who appears sick.
-Disinfect your shopping cart at the store.
-Carry disinfecting wipes with you.
-Carry hand-sanitizing gel.
-Use a medical nose and mouth mask if traveling in a highly dense area.
-Sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to prevent contact with your hands and potential spread of germs.

These are just a few ideas to stay healthy this cold and flu season. There are also herbal supplements that have been proven to provide support to our immune systems but remember to talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.






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