Over the years many solutions have been developed to cure flu and how to prevent it during flu season. The body has been viewed as an exceedingly complex machine, and illness like this has been interpreted as malfunctions in the machine brought about by many different factors, some of which come from outside the body, such as infection and some caused by the degeneration of various organs and systems. However, the idea that flu is due to a variety of virus and bacteria is so deeply ingrained in medical thinking that alternative diagnosis are rarely considered in current practice if it is not accompanied by other serious symptoms.
Conventional treatment for flu is logical, for it is based upon the conventional diagnostic concept, that it is spread from person to person during flu season and usually harmless. Perhaps the most universally prescribed treatment, particularly in cases of symptoms of cold and cough, is over the counter medication such as Tylenol followed by rest in bed. Patients are usually advised to remain at complete bed rest as long as they can tolerate it, often for days at a time. Sometimes the fever disappears with bed rest, but in some rare cases it remains unchanged or gets worse.
Closely allied to bed rest and immobilization is the principle of restricting physical activity in flu season. Patients are advised to do as little as possible to avoid exerting themselves. The doctor may also prescribe painkillers if symptom like muscle spasm occurs. Patients with flu consistently report that moist hot shower relieves pain associated with the illness and sometimes dispels it completely for short periods of time. However, the severity and tolerability of pain and uneasiness depends very much on the patient’s age. Small children and old adults are likely to suffer for longer periods of time.
As the flu season gradually ends, it is routine for the doctors to recommend healthy food with more physical activities. For some patients this means the resumption of things they did before, others need to be encouraged to introduce new activities into their lifestyle. Not only is it good for preventing another flu during the flu season, but an excellent way for general well-being. For the therapists and physicians, there is another role: to assist patients in the choice and timing of these activities.
Whatever the therapy you decide on, include your physician in the decision, and maintain your doctor-patient partnership. This point cannot be stressed strongly enough. Inform your doctor every step of the way and let him or her know every new thing you try, even if it is as simple as taking a vitamin pill.
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