by John McLaughlin
Community Newsman
I can speak from experience already during this cold and flu season: there’s something quite nasty going around. And it’s a lasting ailment.
The season of sickness is upon us early this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with influenza cases typically peaking between December and February
With the early start and typically late peak, we’re likely in for another hard slog this winter.
So far, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma are forming a sort of island of low flu activity, surrounded by states where cases are ticking up from the early August onset of flu activity this year, particularly in Texas, according to the Walgreens Flu Index.
Despite that, nearly everyone in my immediate family, all of them in Missouri, has caught this season’s leading bug or another, the worst off being sick for some two weeks with continued nasal and chest congestion, coughing and a general day-zapping lack of energy.
There are a number of easy ways to help prevent spreading the flu:
•Wash your hands frequently
•Cover coughs and sneezes (not with your bare hand)
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
•Disinfect common surfaces
•Improve indoor air quality, whether by opening windows or using an air purifier
But, overall, I would especially stress that you stay home when feeling bitten by influenza, although it’s not an easy option for everyone. But for those who can readily isolate, your colleagues will silently thank you.
With immunization topping its flu prevention and control measures, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends that the flu-stricken isolate until they’re fever-free for at least 24 hours, without use of fever-reducing medications, while also experiencing overall symptom improvement.
While I lie low, I have a few basic tricks in stow to help speed up my recovery, other than simple rest and hydration. I’m not a doctor, of course, and I like to keep things pretty basic.
My go-to, especially at the onset of cold and flu symptoms, is Airborne Immune Support, which is usually the cheapest of similar product offerings.
I use the effervescent tablets, which are packed with vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as selenium, manganese and last but not least, zinc.
Gargling seems to help me most in soothing a sore throat. At its worst, I gargle regularly with warm saltwater with great relief.
But a recent recommendation has swayed me also to use a saline nasal spray, such as Arm & Hammer Simply Saline. Drug free, I’ve found that it’s great at breaking up nasal congestion.
Combined with plenty of rest, just these basic remedies have kept me afloat for now. But as we head into what looks like a long, demanding season of sickness, the best prescription we can offer one another doesn’t come from a bottle.
It’s simply looking out for each other—whether that means rolling up a sleeve for a flu shot, washing our hands a little longer or choosing to stay home. Until then: stay safe; stay healthy; and if you do happen to catch this lingering bug, I’ll see you on the mend.
John McLaughlin is a general assignment reporter for The Hutchinson Tribune. He can be reached at john@hutchtribune.com.