Editor-in-Chief
The Health Occupations Students
of America (HOSA) Club at Apex is answering anonymous medical questions from
the name of Grandma Chase. Below is the first question and answer.
Dear Grandma Chase,
I am a student at Apex High
School and I have been feeling sick the past couple of days and I have
cold-like symptoms, but how can I tell that it’s the flu? What are the symptoms
of it? If I go to the doctor and test positive for the flu, what kind of
treatment can I expect to receive? How long will I be out of school? Would you
recommend that my siblings get the flu shot so they do not become sick?
Sincerely,
Sick and Tired
Dear Sick and Tired,
The flu is very similar to the
common cold, but there are several ways to tell the difference. If you have the
flu, your symptoms such as weakness, muscle aches, and general fatigue are more
severe. Also, you will have a fever, a symptom not associated with the common
cold. If you were to test positive for the flu, you could expect antiviral
drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza. Depending on your symptoms, you may be out of
school for 1-5 days. I would recommend that you drink lots of water to stay hydrated,
and if your doctor says it’s okay, you can take an over the counter pain
reliever such as Tylenol per the package directions for the muscle aches and
any fevers. Your doctor may also recommend that your siblings get vaccinated if
they do not have chronic conditions (like asthma) and are over the age of 2.
Feel better!
Yours truly,
Grandma Chase
