Dealing with Flu in Central Pa

In our area we're being walloped by at least two viruses---influenza, which involves coughing, sneezing,  and muscle aches--the real flu.
 
Then there's the stomach flu with nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as muscle aches, which technically isn't the flu, but can also put you down for awhile.

Did you get your flu shot this year?  It won't protect you from the stomach flu, but it is designed to reduce your chances of influenza, but then again.

"The flu's worse than usual this year,"  says Dr. Megan Hess. The family physician at Blair Medical Associates in Altoona adds, "it came earlier, it hit harder, there's a lot of people who've gotten it, who did get their flu shots."

According to Dr. Hess, healthier, younger people who got the flu shot don't seem to be getting as sick, when they  come down with influenza, but older people and those with chronic medical conditions, aren't as fortunate.

She adds, "if it seems to be if it's going to hit you hard, it's going to hit you very hard, but there have  been some people who've had mild cases."

What can you do to protect yourself? Get a flu shot, stay home if you're sick, and wash you hands.

Good hygiene is also a good way to reduce your chances of getting stomach flu. And for most people with either influenza or stomach flu, a trip to the doctor or the ER  won't help.

"If you are vomiting, have diarrhea, can't keep food down, you may need to come in for some fluids, but otherwise use over-the-counter medicines and stay hydrated," according to DJ Clark, a physician's assistant at Clearfield Hospital.
 
Dr Hess recommends taking vitamin D to boost your immunity and possibly reduce your chances of getting either virus. If you have the real flu,  she says naproxen, the main ingredient in Aleve can relieve coughing better than the conventional cough syrups.