The 'Man Flu' and other maladies

Let's talk today about one of the most horrible illnesses known to, well-MAN-the man flu! As a man and a previous man flu sufferer, I can tell you-it's awful. While my wife (and women in general) may not agree, the urban dictionary explains quite clearly that the man flu experience is more agonizing than childbirth. The nurses at our clinic are pretty good at spotting this terrible affliction. It's pretty much a text-book diagnosis, just watch for a man who is emitting involuntary groans of agony that are entirely out of proportion to the tickle in their throat they picked up the day before (ubandictionary.com).

The good news is that woman are generally not affected by this most heinous condition-a woman with the same germ will generally only suffer from a mild case of the sniffles.

All kidding aside, no two patients react the same. Take the influenza virus for example, one person may get a cough and a headache for a couple of days, while another may come down with a severe case of pneumonia and be "out of it" for an entire month.

Right now, we are smack in the middle of a pretty nasty cold and flu season. Pardon the pun but it's nothing to sneeze about! We are likely looking at another month or so before these germs clear out-so we must continue to be diligent.

Based on what we are seeing at the clinic, these are the germs that are still floating around:

Influenza A and Influenza B, characterized by the triad of cough, fever and aches (headaches and body aches),

Strep throat, typically presenting with a sore throat, fever and aches

Stomach flu (not to be confused with influenza), that presents with nausea, diarrhea and vomiting

The common cold, (what I call the Seeley Crud), presents with stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and chest congestion.

Any one of these can have the potential to cause serious disease, so at least for the next few weeks, please use some simple precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently! This should be number one on your list-why not carry some hand sanitizer and use it regularly.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

• Get enough sleep and avoid getting "run down."

• Get your flu shot, if you haven't done so already.

• Finally, if you are sick, avoid contact with the frail, very young and elderly-STAY HOME FROM WORK OR SCHOOL!

Believe it or not, following these simple guidelines may even prevent the man flu. What better reason do you need?

Stay safe, stay healthy and as always, see you at the clinic.