Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/99568
" During those first days when you are trying to convince yourself you aren't sick enough to stay home from work, you are actually quite contagious. The first three days would be the best time to stay home. Colds generally peak quickly, and then get better each day, with final resolution taking about 7–10 days. In this time frame, you would likely have congestion, a cough, a headache, and maybe even a low-grade fever. Although a cold may feel like a serious illness, unless you have a severely impaired immune system, you just need to be patient and treat the symptoms. Get lots of rest, plenty of fluids, and good nutrition. Overthe-counter remedies can be helpful in allowing you to get through the day and sleep at night, but always read the labels, especially if you have other health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. A pharmacist can generally point you in the right direction. The flu (influenza) is a much more serious illness. It affects 5–20 percent of Americans every year and hospitalizes more than 30,000. Flu symptoms come on quicker than a cold and are more severe. They commonly include: B • ody aches, particularly in joints and around the eyes. • Dry cough. • Fever (often high). • Sore throat. • Weakness. Although a cold may feel like a serious illness, unless you have a severely impaired immune system, you just need to be patient and treat the symptoms. Recognizing flu symptoms is important, because the few available antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, are only effective when taken in the first 24 hours after symptoms begin. These medications will not cure the flu, but can reduce its intensity and get you back on your feet a few days sooner. If you are living with a chronic illness of any type, it is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have the flu. Prevention is Key Regardless of whether the threat is a simple cold or the flu, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from unnecessary downtime. Proper Hand Washing This simple act gets top billing because of its true effectiveness in preventing illness. The most important aspects of hand washing are the length of time (at least 30 Body Sense 9