We all know of the Swine flu, the regular flu and now we are learning of the Negative Flu. The Negative flu is a strain of the flu that is not detected on a flu test. The symptoms are similar and last about 5 to 6 days.
Recently my friend suffered from what her doctor referred to as the Negative Flu. She was surprised to learn that she was diagnosed with any flu since she did have her flu shot. However, most health officials tell us that having the flu shot is not a guarantee of not acquiring a case of the flu.
Emergency rooms and doctors’ offices remain flooded with patients suffering flu like symptoms. The Texas department of State Health Services (DSHS) classifies the current flu status as widespread. According to the agency’s web site the “widespread” classification is used when there are increases in flu-like illnesses and recent lab-confirmed flu cases in at least half of the state's regions.
DSHS has confirmed 18 flu-associated pediatric deaths in Texas from the start of the 2008-2009 flu season last fall till now. In addition, as of September H1N1 claim the lives of 2 people in Fort Bend County and 3 people in Harris County.
With flu season in full swing with different strains it is important to practice prevention. DSHS reminds us to wash hands frequently. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home if you’re sick. Have a plan to care for sick family members at home.
Sniffles, sneezes and coughing are all sounds of the season. Be healthy and be well.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
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Myself and members of my family have experienced the "negative flu" symptoms. We all had seasonal flu shots in September. Our flu tests were negative.
ReplyDeleteMy major concern with this virus are the effects on the respiratory system. Constricted air flow seems asthmatic in nature. Chest conjestion makes it hard to take deep breaths. These symptoms can be dire to children and any adult with underlying health conditions.
If you experience this and go to the emergency room or hospital, the first thing they are going to do is give you breathing treatments via nebulizer with albuterol sulfate. So if you have this at home try using it first. Mucinex also helped me.
All you can do is treat the symptoms, stay home and ride it out with plenty of rest.