The Shot or not to Shot?
July 21st 2007 11:57
So, I figured I'd treat myself to a flu shot since I keep getting the flu. or is it the cold? I'm not too entirely certain. But one thing's for sure, working in an enclosed office environment where we spend at least 8 hours a day, ups the risk on exposure of a bug going round the office.
We all know that the flu is a virus, which is different for each person and at each infection. As such, right after recovering from a flu episode a couple weeks ago does not mean that I won't be infected by the virus this week. It's a losing battle, especially when you're living in a tropical region where there are torrential rains and it is air conditioned indoors, to keep out the summer heat.
I decided to do a little bit more reaserch on the virus and the cold, before deciding on getting a shot.
Whats Is A Flu?
Each year, 5 to 15% of adults and 15 to 42% of children will catch the flu. Influenza or flum is a contagious disease caused b the influenza virus. It is often called a respiratory diseas, but it affects the whole body. he flu is very contagious. You can catch it from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has the flu or from touching contaminated object, thus transferring the virus to the respiratory system.
Anyone can catch the flu. being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. You can also unknowingy infect others, as it take 1-4 days for the symptoms to appear. Some people are at increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu, for example the elderly, adults and children who have asthma, lung diseases, diabetes, heart problems etc.
The infection
- begins suddenly
- may lead to symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks
- may keep you in bed for 5 to 10 days
- can disrupt your work life or holiday plans
- can result in serious complications in high risk individuals
Is The Flu The Same As Cold?
Flu and cold are two different diseases. it is quite easy to differentiate the two. Unlike a cold, flu causes severe illness and life threatening complications in many people.
How To Differentiate?
The Cold / The Flu
Fever : None or mild (less than 38degC) / High (39-40 degC)
Duration : 3-4 days / 1-2 weeks
Severity : Very mild / Intense fatigue
Aches & Pains : Usually mild / Violent/Intense
Cough : Mild / Severe, dry, chesty, painful
Sneezing : Usual / Frequent
Pneumonia : Very uncommon / Can occur
I figured I would share the above facts with you guys here. and maybe help me decide whether a Flu shot would be a good idea. I'm still debating on it. I know it's only a shot but I dunno, it still feels like some sort of commitment.
We all know that the flu is a virus, which is different for each person and at each infection. As such, right after recovering from a flu episode a couple weeks ago does not mean that I won't be infected by the virus this week. It's a losing battle, especially when you're living in a tropical region where there are torrential rains and it is air conditioned indoors, to keep out the summer heat.
I decided to do a little bit more reaserch on the virus and the cold, before deciding on getting a shot.
Whats Is A Flu?
Each year, 5 to 15% of adults and 15 to 42% of children will catch the flu. Influenza or flum is a contagious disease caused b the influenza virus. It is often called a respiratory diseas, but it affects the whole body. he flu is very contagious. You can catch it from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has the flu or from touching contaminated object, thus transferring the virus to the respiratory system.
Anyone can catch the flu. being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. You can also unknowingy infect others, as it take 1-4 days for the symptoms to appear. Some people are at increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract the flu, for example the elderly, adults and children who have asthma, lung diseases, diabetes, heart problems etc.
The infection
- begins suddenly
- may lead to symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks
- may keep you in bed for 5 to 10 days
- can disrupt your work life or holiday plans
- can result in serious complications in high risk individuals
Is The Flu The Same As Cold?
Flu and cold are two different diseases. it is quite easy to differentiate the two. Unlike a cold, flu causes severe illness and life threatening complications in many people.
How To Differentiate?
The Cold / The Flu
Fever : None or mild (less than 38degC) / High (39-40 degC)
Duration : 3-4 days / 1-2 weeks
Severity : Very mild / Intense fatigue
Aches & Pains : Usually mild / Violent/Intense
Cough : Mild / Severe, dry, chesty, painful
Sneezing : Usual / Frequent
Pneumonia : Very uncommon / Can occur
I figured I would share the above facts with you guys here. and maybe help me decide whether a Flu shot would be a good idea. I'm still debating on it. I know it's only a shot but I dunno, it still feels like some sort of commitment.
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