How many times during 'flu' season can someone have flu? Are there flu mimics?

1. 59

   aoiffe379posted 14 years ago

   How many times during 'flu' season can someone have flu? Are there flu mimics?
   
   Is it normal for a person to have flu four times in four months? This person has had all the symptoms associated with flu or the common cold like headache, sore throat, cough. Of course nobody wants flu so medication has been taken for cough and to build the immune system. Someone told the person that there are so many strains of flu there is virtually nothing that can be done to fight it. Do you agree? Are there diseases that mimic the flu?

   replyreport
2. 82

   SEO IT!posted 14 years ago

   It really just depends on how many strains of the flu are out there. This last season, there were at least two strains of the flu - maybe more, with one being H1N1. I'm not a doctor. Just a mom whose seen a lot, so not really qualified other than to guess.
   
   As for the person who has been sick over and over, well, possibly colds in between? There could be immunity issues going on... It also sounds a little like mononucleosis.
   
   Regardless, when a person is sick that much, he or she should really see a doctor.

   replyreport
3. 64

   Laura Thykesonposted 14 years ago

   There are many, many strains of the flu out there, and there are sometimes secondary complications, like sinus infections and bronchitis or pneumonia that you can get along with the flu that can lengthen your recovery time. Also, every time you are sick, it weakens your immune system, so you need to stay really hydrated, take vitamin C and drink things like Gatorade, vitamin waters or things that will boost your immune system, not water or cokes.  Chicken soup actually does help a little, and spicy food can open up those clogged sinuses.  Also, use a hydrator in your home if you use central heat, as the air can get really dry and that aggravates irritated throats and lungs. Be sure and take the whole amount of any medicines your doctor prescribes for you, or be sure to take as they directed you to. Other than that, just get a lot of rest and ride it out. There is Tamaflu, and another medication that are prescription that can really shorten the length of your flu, and help minimize the symptoms. Antibiotics will cure any secondary infections.
   Good luck!

   replyreport
4. 64

   nasus loopsposted 14 years ago

   There are many strains of flu, but usually flu will last for at least a week making you very lethargic and feeling of achiness.
   
   Unfortunately there are many other illnesses that can mimic flu symptoms.  Tonsillitis will obviously give you a sore throat but it can also cause fever and general tiredness.  Laryngitis and such illnesses can all cause these same symtpoms.
   
   Childhood illnesses like hand, foot and mouth cause fever, lack of appetite, tiredness and general low mood. 
   
   It is very easy to jump to the conclusion that an illness is flu when it is not.  Take regular paracetamol to help reduce fever and achiness.  Vitamin C tablets are available in shops and are a good way of improving your immune system, along with eating plenty of healthy foods like fruit and veg.  If your symptoms persist for more than a week and a fever for more than 2 days then medical advice should be requested.

   replyreport
5. 40

   Dovay Leeposted 13 years ago

   Flu can happen in any season but it is easier to have flu in certain seasons not all the year rond. as a matter of fact, flu is not so terrible when you know some knowledge about it,how to prevent flu matters a lot to people. I also read a hub about flu. and here i can share it with you. Hope you can learn something from this hub.http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Basic-Knowledge-About-Flu.

   replyreport