There are many ways to prevent flue as it is usually spread due to the direct contact of the individuals. One of the easiest ways to curb the chances of getting flu is to wash hands frequently. Washing hands is the most convenient tip against flu which is known to be equally effective as well. As we touch the surfaces like the door knob, telephones, office workplace stationery and much more, we tend to get in contact with a number of viruses and bacteria. Washing hands with effective sanitizer will help in getting rid of these germs and viruses from our hands before they can cause us harm. Since the germs and viruses have been known to live up to weeks it is important to make sure that one washes hands aptly which requires rubbing the hands hard up to a minute. One can also make use of the alcohol based hand washes and the sanitizers for the same purpose. Another effective tip against flu is to use handkerchief or tissues when sneezing or coughing. This way the germs do not get to travel via air to contaminate others. Using disposable tissues is a better idea as one can easily dispose them off immediately. Do not use hands to cover nose or mouth when sneezing as once the contaminated hands come in contact with the other surfaces they leave behind the harmful germs on these areas.

Keeping the body well hydrated is one of the oldest and effective tips against the flu. This is the reason why most of the people are advised to drink plenty of water and juices when they catch flu. This will help in flushing out the harmful bacteria and germs from the body. Try to observe the reaction of the body in order to provide it with the right elements that it requires. This means that if the color of one’s urine is yellow, the body requires more water; however, if it is almost like the color of water, the body is well hydrated. Whatever you do, avoid touching the face during flu. Most of the toddlers are known to catch flu as they have a habit of touching their faces. The flu virus is one of the most stubborn viruses which enter the body through eyes, nose and even mouth. Therefore, it is important to minimize the times a person touches their face.

Another effective tip against flu is inhaling steam. One can even benefit from the saunas for the same purpose. The steam inhaled soothes the alimentary canal and the respiratory passage and help clear the passage of air for smoother breathing process. Since steam has a higher temperature, it also destroys any germs and bacteria in the respiratory passage. Exercising is also known to have worked as an effective tool against flu. The reason being simple; as the blood from the heart is carried in large quantities to the other parts of the body, the oxygen is transported along with it making our body heat up due to physical exertion.  This helps in building the immune system of the body against bacteria and diseases.

Fever or elevated body temperature is one the most dreaded sign for a person and brings an immediate concern towards health.

Fever is actually a defense mechanism of body, which alerts the conscience that something wrong is happening in the body and its under attack from some pathogen (disease causing agent).

Along with being an alarm, its also has protective features. Body increases its temperature because most of the viruses cannot grow inside the human body at such an elevated temperature, thus a moderate rise in the body temperature is actually good for the health!

At the same time, too much increase in the body temperature is also dangerous. Complications range from dehydration to febrile convulsion (fits associated with elevated temperature, usually in children) to damage to brain and immune system of our body.

Measurement:

First step in controlling fever is its proper measurement.

Best indicator of body temperature is rectal temperature, but being an awkward of measuring temperature, oral temperature is used which usually .5 degree Fahrenheit less than original temperature of body. Auxiliary temperature is 1 degree Fahrenheit less than the core body temperature.

Grades of fever:

Fever less than 101 degree Fahrenheit is considered as low grade fever and need not to be treated as its mostly defensive for the body.

Fevers greater than 101.2 degrees Fahrenheit are called high grade fevers and should be treated according to following measures.

DRUGS:

Anti pyretic drugs , such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) are great fever reducing agents and available as over the counter drugs (OTC). They should be used with moderation as excess use is reported to cause liver failure.

COLD SPONGING

Using cold water to lower the fever is a traditional way and one the most effective way.

But not every fever is to be reduced by it. Care should be taken that hypothermia is not being caused as it would hide the fever but would not stop the pathological process going inside the body. So moderation is the key.

Use sponges to wet the body. The body would use its heat to vaporize it, resulting in loss of heat as vapors.

Environment

Patient with high fever usually complains of chills. But he is not to be kept in blankets. If done, would result only in increasing the fever.

Room should be made airy and if possible, air conditioning is to be turned on so that there is transfer of heat from patient’s body to environment.

Patient should be given a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration and desiccation. If necessary, intra venous fluids be started.

Keep patient in light and cotton clothes which absorb the sweat, if any and provide comfort.

Fever is a friend, not a foe. It should be treated like one.