| How to Train Chickens to Return to Their Coop Posted: 20 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Training your chickens to return to their coop is a great way to protect your chickens from predators. Chickens that have established the coop as their home will return to it naturally each evening. You can also train your chickens to return to the coop when you call them in case you spot a daytime predator or need to clean their area of the yard. Chickens do not learn as quickly or as easily as dogs do, but with a little patience you will find that training chickens to return to their coop is fairly easy to do. EditCoop Training Your Chickens - Prepare your chicken coop. Before you can train your chickens to return to the coop in the evening, you need to ensure the coop is set up properly for your chickens. A basic chicken coop should provide at least twenty-four square feet of space and multiple places for chickens to perch.[1]
- Make sure there is a plentiful supply of food and water inside the chicken coop.
- Wood beams mounted horizontally can provide good perching space for chickens.
- If you are raising chickens for egg production, make sure there are enough chicken nesting boxes for each hen (usually one box per four hens will suffice).
- Check the temperature inside the coop. Coop training requires that you keep your chickens inside the coop for a prolonged period of time. It's important that you make sure your chickens won't be too hot or they could suffer from health issues.[2]
- Your chicken coop should not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit during coop training.
- Install fans to reduce the temperature of your coop if it is too hot.
- You may want to consider relocating your chicken coop to a shadier area of your yard if high temperatures continue to be an issue.
- Keep your chickens confined to the coop for a week. Chickens are often stressed by a transition from one coop or yard to another. Young chickens that are transitioning into living in a coop may take even longer to adjust. Forcing the chickens to remain inside the coop for a week will force them to roost in the coop and begin to consider it a home.[3]
- Make sure your coop allows you to easily replace food and water dishes without allowing the chickens to escape the coop. Most coops have small doors designed specifically for this purpose.
- The bedding at the bottom of the coop will be very messy after a week, so make sure to remove soiled bedding at the completion of the week.
- Allow the chickens to leave the coop after a week. After a week, open the door to the coop and allow the chickens to wander out into your yard or the area you have fenced in for them. Try not to interfere with them and instead allow them to wander freely.[4]
- If the chickens do not return to the coop at dusk, it means they have not properly adjusted to it.
- You may have to confine the chickens to the coop for another week in order to ensure they accept it as their home and a safe area.
- Once the chickens have adjusted to the coop as their new home, they will return to it naturally when they sense danger, want to rest, or at sundown each day.
EditTraining Your Chickens to Come When You Call - Choose one consistent sound as your call. Chickens are not as skilled at interpreting human sounds as dogs are, so it's important that you choose one distinct sound as your chicken call. Using a consistent sound of any sort may work, but by using a tool instead of your voice, others can call the chickens for you if you aren't present to call them.[5]
- A whistle or bell are both excellent options to use as a chicken call. You could also try banging a bowl or cup on the side of the coop.
- If you choose to use your voice, make sure it is a distinct sound that you do not make regularly when not calling your chickens.
- Use treats to train your chickens. You will need to train your chickens to associate the sound of your chicken call with getting a treat in order to get them to come whenever you call. Choose a treat that your chickens do not normally eat otherwise they may grow tired of the treat.[6]
- Bird seed mixed with meal worms serves as an excellent treat that you can spread around inside the coop each time you sound the chicken call.
- Watermelon wedges also serve as good chicken treats, but because they are hard to scatter the less dominant chickens may not be able to get to the treats.
- Let the chickens see you with the treats. As you train your chickens to respond to your chicken call, make sure they can see the bag or box of treats as you approach and make the sound. Your chickens do not necessarily need to see the treats for the training to work, but it will often go faster if they see the treats during the early stages of training.[7]
- Let the chickens see you approach their coop with the treats as you prepare to sound your chicken call.
- Chickens will come to associate your behavior with getting treats as well as the call itself.
- Use your chicken call and toss treats into the coop. By scattering treats into the coop while you use your chicken call, you will help the chickens begin to associate the sound with both treats and returning to their coop.[8]
- Repeat this process two to three times per day for about a week to establish the pattern in the chicken's minds.
- If your chickens aren't interested in the treats you are using, try switching to bits of corn.
- Be patient. Your chickens may not understand the process quickly. You may need to sound the chicken call and make sure they see you distributing the feed a number of times before they start to understand. Early on, the noise will not attract chickens, only the smell and sight of the treats will.[9]
- Once one chicken figures out the process, it will begin to respond more quickly. Other chickens will follow suit soon after to ensure they get a share of the treats.
- Chickens are less likely to respond to this training if they have eaten recently or have only left the coop a short time ago.
- Start concealing the treats when you call your chickens. Once your chickens are starting to respond well to the chicken call, start approaching the coop without keeping the treats visible. Once you sound the call, remove the treats from where you've hidden them and distribute them like normal.[10]
- Hiding the treats will help ensure the chickens respond to the call and not the visual que of the treats.
- If your chickens become accustomed to coming without seeing treats, that is one step closer to simply coming when they're called.
- Continue to repeat this process until the chickens return to the coop reliably each time they are called.
EditRetraining Your Chickens After a Scare - Identify the source of the stressor in the coop. Sometimes chickens that have been coop trained will vacate their coop and refuse to re-enter it. This is often caused by a predator entering the coop or the conditions in the coop being unhealthy for the chickens.[11]
- Look for any areas that a predator could have gained access to the coop and secure it.
- Ensure the coop is relatively clean and the food and water are easy to access. Also check the temperature to make sure it is not exceeding 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The stressor that caused the chickens to leave must be identified and resolved prior to retraining your chickens to return to the coop.
- Catch your chickens. Once you have made sure the coop is safe for your chickens, you will need to catch or corral them all back into the coop. If your chickens are able to walk around a large yard, it may be difficult to catch them all.
- Try approaching sleeping chickens at night slowly with a flashlight. Don't shine the light directly on the chickens as it may wake them. Once you're close, gently pick each chicken up and return it to the coop.
- Use food to distract a chicken during the day, then approach it slowly from behind. Once you are close enough, gently pick the chicken up and return it to its coop.
- Confine your chickens to the coop for a week. Once all of the chickens are back in the coop, secure the coop and keep the chickens confined to it for a week. This will re-establish the coop as their safe haven and home in the minds of the chickens.[12]
- Release the chickens again after a week. If they do not return to the coop that night, check the conditions of the coop again to make sure the water and food can be reached by all chickens and the temperature is below seventy degrees.
- Secure the chickens for a second week if they do not begin returning to the coop at dusk and the coop is in good condition.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Accept Your Partner's Past Posted: 20 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST While it's not always easy, accepting your partner's past is part of any relationship. Whether you're hung up on their past relationships or concerned about mistakes they've made, try to remain objective. Remember that everyone has baggage, and you can't erase the past. Aside from major red flags, like cheating on all of their exes or a history of violence, give them the benefit of the doubt. Focus on how your partner treats you in the present, and work on developing a trusting relationship with them. EditManaging Your Emotions - Notice when you're thinking intrusive thoughts. Learn to recognize obsessive, black-and-white thoughts and catch yourself when you jumping to conclusions. It's one thing to think about your partner's past or experience emotions about it. However, try to identify when your thoughts race or if you take a past event out of context.[1]
- Emotions such as anger, sadness, and jealousy are normal. For instance, it's normal to be sad or cry about something bad your partner did in the past. If you're jealous or insecure about your partner's ex, it's okay to vent to a loved one about it.
- On the other hand, try not to obsess over your partner's past relationships, scour their exes' social media accounts, or dwell on a minor mistake they made years ago.
- Challenge obsessive or all-or-nothing thinking. When you notice intrusive or irrational thoughts, question them. Remind yourself to stay objective, look at facts, and chip away at irrational suspicions.[2]
- For example, suppose you're suspicious that your partner isn't over their ex, but there isn't any actual evidence. Ask yourself whether you're being reasonable if you start dwelling on your jealousy, thinking the worst of your partner, or obsessively looking over their ex's social media profiles.
- Tell yourself, "Stop. It's normal to feel jealous, but I need to manage my thoughts and actions. I can't control my partner or their past, but I can control my reaction. They haven't given me any reason not to trust them, and I'm jumping to conclusions."
- If you have suspicions, it's better to be honest with your partner instead of convincing yourself of the worst.
- Seek advice from a trusted friend or relative. Vent your feelings to a loved one, and ask them for a fresh perspective. They can help you figure out whether the issue is a matter of your perception or a legitimate cause for concern. Confide in someone who's objective, and keep in mind anything you say may influence that person's opinion of your partner.[3]
- For example, suppose your parents are already on the fence about your partner. Talking to them about your partner's flaws could just worsen their opinion. If you work things out and accept with your partner's past, your parents could still resent your partner, and you'd be caught in the middle.[4]
- See a therapist if you're not sure how to handle your partner's past. If you have trouble coming to terms with your partner's past or managing your feelings, an individual or couples counselor can help. They can offer a fresh perspective on your relationship and, if necessary, address broader trust issues.[5]
EditPutting Their Past in Context - Think about things you've done in the past. Put yourself in your partner's shoes. Remind yourself that everyone has a past, and that no one is perfect. Make a mental list of your exes, mistakes you've made, and other examples that are comparable to what bothers you about your ex's past.[6]
- Imagine if your partner questioned whether you have feelings for your ex or judged you for a mistake you made 10 years ago. You'd probably think it's unfair that they're judging you for things you did before you even knew each other.
- Remember that you can't change the past. Your partner can't erase their past, and you shouldn't expect them to have a completely clean slate. Everyone brings baggage into a relationship. It's up to you to figure out whether or not you can accept your partner's baggage.[7]
- It's okay if you need some time to come to terms with your partner's past. But it's not fair to hold a grudge against them or to bring up their past during a fight. If they did something horrible and you can't accept it, it's better to end things than continually rake your partner over the coals.
- Don't define your partner solely based on their past mistakes. Take into account who your partner is now and how they treat you in the present. Try to see the bigger picture, and look for broader patterns instead of magnifying a single action. Put things in perspective, and think about how you'd feel if your partner judged you based on a single mistake.[8]
- Say your partner told you they cheated on one of their exes a long time ago, and that they feel still horrible about it. That doesn't necessarily mean that you should distrust them.
- Ask yourself if something they've done is a deal breaker. Although everyone messes up, it's okay to draw a line in the sand. Small, one-time mistakes are one thing. However, don't feel like you have to accept major warning signs, such as a long-term pattern of bad behavior or a serious crime.[9]
- Suppose your partner told you they've cheated in each of their relationships. That's a pattern of suspicious behavior, and it's okay to have serious doubts about their ability to commit.
- Say they were arrested in the past for violence, and you've seen them punch walls, slam doors, and break things. This is a pattern of violent, potentially abusive behavior. Other abusive behaviors include screaming at you, threatening physical violence, and attempting to isolate you from loved ones. If you've observed any of these red flags, ending the relationship is probably the best option.
- If they lose their temper but haven't directed their anger toward you, and if you're interested in working things out, you still need to set ground rules. They should consult a mental health professional about managing their anger.
EditAddressing Your Concerns with Your Partner - Bring up your feelings in a calm, respectful manner. Avoid bringing up something from their past in the midst of an argument. When you're both calm and in good moods, ask them to talk. Tell them something's been bothering you, and you want to be honest with them about it.[10]
- Say something like, "Can we have a chat? I'm been feeling anxious ever since you told me about how much you used to party. I'm not saying you can't have fun, but that kind of lifestyle isn't for me. Do you think you've gotten it out of your system?"
- Listen to their side of the story. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and let them give you the context. Maybe they told you about something they did in passing, but you didn't get the whole story. Avoid jumping to conclusions, and try not to make assumptions about what goes on in their head.[11]
- For instance, don't just assume that your partner still has feelings for their ex. Instead of letting your suspicions fester, say, "I know you and your ex were together for a long time, and that's pretty intimidating. They make me feel insecure, and I don't want to come off as jealous, but I need to know that I can trust you."
- Hear them out, but trust your instincts. Bear in mind there's a difference between an explanation and an excuse. It's one thing if your partner offers a legitimate explanation and puts something from their past in context. However, go with your gut if you think they're trying to pull the wool over your eyes.[12]
- For example, say your partner had a problem with drugs or alcohol. They explain how they took steps to address their addiction, and that they've been sober for a long time. Rather than make excuses, their words and actions offer proof that the past is in the past.
- Suppose your partner often hangs out with their ex alone. Maybe they're constantly praising their ex, or they say things like, "That outfit reminds me of something my ex would wear." Even if they try to explain it away, that's pretty good evidence they're not over their ex. It'd be wise to question if they're ready to commit to a relationship with you.
- Communicate openly, but don't overshare with each other. As your relationship deepens, you and your partner should feel comfortable being vulnerable with each other. Let your partner know that it's safe to talk about past experiences, mistakes, and regrets. Encourage honesty, but keep in mind that, for some topics, neither of you need to share every little detail.[13]
- For instance, telling each other about your likes and dislikes in the bedroom helps build intimacy. However, neither of you need to go into detail about being intimate with an ex.[14]
- Some people just don't want to know about their partner's past relationships. If you know you're prone to jealousy, tell your partner you don't really want to hear about their exes.
- Discuss getting STI tests if you're worried about their sexual history. If you haven't already, talk to your partner about sexual health. It might be an awkward subject, but try to be matter-of-fact. Without putting them on the spot, suggest that you both get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI).[15]
- Suppose you find out the person you're dating has been with a lot of people, and you're having trouble coming to terms with it. Talk to them about it, and mention that sexual health is an important topic for any couple to discuss.
- Try saying, "I know it's awkward to talk about, but they say you should be upfront about sex and health. I get tested regularly, how about you? What do you think about getting tested together?"
EditLearning to Trust Your Partner - Focus on how they treat you now. Ask yourself if your partner has given you any reason not to trust them. Assess your relationship rationally, and think about how your partner has acted since you've been together. How they treat you in the present is more important than what they might have done before they knew you.[16]
- It's normal to be afraid to trust someone, especially if you've been hurt in the past. Tell yourself to stop when you start feeling suspicious or jealous. Stay objective, and focus on your partner's words and actions in the present.
- Respect your partner's privacy. Never snoop through your partner's things or try to read their texts or emails. Think about how you would feel if they invaded your privacy. If you have reasons not to trust them, discuss your concerns with them instead of snooping.[17]
- If you do find evidence, confronting them with it will let them know that you've invaded their privacy. You'll both be defensive and accusatory, and neither of you will trust the other enough to have a productive conversation.
- Distrust doesn't necessarily have to do with cheating. Say, for instance, that your partner drank a lot or used drugs in the past. You might not trust them when they say that's in the past if you've seen them drinking a lot or they're suddenly prone to mood swings.
- Talk to your partner about behaviors that make you distrust them. Choose a calm setting to bring up your concerns. Think about what you want to say beforehand, and come up with specific reasons that you distrust your partner. Try not to come off like your accusing them, but let them know the particular actions that have you on guard.[18]
- For example, tell them, "Please don't feel like I'm attacking you or accusing you of anything. But you told me you've had some anger issues in the past, and I've noticed you've been losing your temper a lot lately. Is there any way I can help? Maybe talking to someone can help you keep your anger in check."
- If you think they still have feelings for an ex, say, "It bothers me when you talk about how great your ex is or what you used to do together. I feel like you're drawing comparisons between us. I'm glad you're on good terms with them, but I'm concerned you still have feelings for them."
- Try not to let mementos of their exes bother you, within reason. Keeping a photograph of their ex on their nightstand, for instance, is unreasonable. However, don't read into every little reminder of your partner's past relationships. Holding onto mementos doesn't mean your partner is still hung up on an ex.[19]
- Suppose an ex made a really nice drawing of your partner's dog. Keeping the drawing doesn't mean that your partner is still crazy about the ex. If their ex gave them their favorite mug, using it to drink their morning coffee doesn't mean they wish they were still with the ex.
- Remember, you can't pretend the past never happened. Your partner can be nostalgic but still be committed to you. As long as they treat you right and you're both happy, don't let their ancient history get in the way of your relationship.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Treat the Flu Posted: 20 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that mainly attacks the respiratory system (your nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs).[1] Although in most people the illness may last only a week or two,[2] the flu can be very dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.[3] Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent getting the flu, but if you are sick, you will learn how to treat your symptoms.[4] EditIdentifying the Flu - Recognize flu symptoms. Before you can effectively treat the flu, make sure that's what you actually have. Flu symptoms are similar to everyday cold symptoms, but they are more severe and occur more rapidly. They may last two to three weeks.[5] The following are common symptoms of the flu:[6]
- Cough, often severe.
- Sore throat, and a lot of wheezing.
- Fever above 100°F (38°C).
- Headaches and/or body aches.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Chills and sweats.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (more common in young children).
- Distinguish between the flu and a cold. While the flu shows some similar symptoms to the common cold, cold symptoms develop more slowly and follow a predictable pattern of escalation and retreat.[7] Symptoms of the common cold usually last less than a week or two and include:[8]
- Mild cough.
- Low-grade or no fever.
- Slight aches or a headache.
- Congestion.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Itchy or sore throat.
- Sneezing.
- Watery eyes.
- Mild or no fatigue.
- Distinguish between the flu and "stomach flu." What's commonly called "stomach flu" is actually not influenza at all, but a type of viral gastroenteritis. The flu affects your respiratory system, while "stomach flu" affects your intestines and is usually a less serious illness. Common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:[9]
- Watery diarrhea.
- Abdominal cramping and pain.
- Bloating.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Mild or occasional headaches and/or body aches.
- Low-grade fever.
- Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually only last a day or two but can last as long as 10 days.
- Know when to seek emergency medical treatment. In extreme cases, the flu can cause severe dehydration or symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization. Seek immediate medical treatment if you or your child is experiencing the following symptoms:[10]
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Severe, persistent vomiting.
- Dizziness or confusion.
- Blueish skin tone or purplish lips.
- Seizures.
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mucous membranes, lethargy, sunken eyes, decreased urination or very dark urine).
- Severe headache or neck pain or stiffness.
- Flu-like symptoms that improve, then return with more severity.
EditTreating Flu Symptoms with Natural Remedies - Get some rest. Sometimes it's possible to keep working or going to school with a cold, but when you have the flu, it's important to rest. Take a few days off to give your body time to recover.[11]
- Since the flu is contagious, staying home is as considerate as it is necessary for your recovery.
- You may experience congestion with the flu. Elevating your head with an extra pillow or sleeping in a recliner can make it easier to breathe at night.
- Stay hydrated. Having a fever causes dehydration, so it's important to drink more fluids than you normally would, to combat the illness.[12]
- Drink hot fluids like tea or warm water with lemon. These soothe your throat and clear your sinuses while hydrating you.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and soda. Choose fluids that will restore your body's nutrients and minerals, not deplete them.
- Drink hot soup. You may experience nausea and a lack of appetite during the flu illness. Drinking hot soup or broth is a good way to get food into your system without upsetting your stomach.[13] Studies have shown that chicken soup can actually mitigate inflammation in your respiratory tract, so if you're feeling well enough, eating a bowl or two could really help.[14]
- If you have also been vomiting, you may have an electrolyte imbalance. Use an oral rehydration solution such as Ceralyte or a sports drink containing electrolytes to replenish your body.[15]
- Take a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is crucial for supporting your body's immune health. Studies suggest that a "megadose" of vitamin C can help relieve cold and flu symptoms.[16]
- Take 1000mg per hour for the first six hours as soon as symptoms appear. Then take 1000mg three times daily. Do not continue to take extremely high doses of vitamin C after you feel better, as vitamin C toxicity is rare but can happen.[17]
- Orange juice is a good source of natural vitamin C but cannot provide a megadose.[18]
- Talk to your child's doctor before giving high doses of vitamin C to your child.
- Clear mucus from your nose often. When you're congested, it's important to clear your breathing passage of mucus often, to prevent getting a sinus or ear infection. Clear mucus in the following ways:
- Blow your nose. It's simple, but effective: blow your nose as often as it clogs to keep your breathing passage free.
- Use a neti pot. Neti pots are a natural method for clearing your nasal passages.
- Take a hot bath. The steam from the water helps loosen the mucus.
- A humidifier or vaporizer in your room may make breathing easier.[19]
- Use nasal saline sprays. You can also make your own nasal saline sprays or drops.
- Use a heating pad. The application of heat helps relieve the aches and pains that come with flu sickness. Use an electric heating pad or fill up a hot water bottle and lay it on your chest or back, wherever you feel pain. Just be sure not to have it too hot that it burns your skin or to leave it on too long. Never go to sleep with a heating pad or hot water bottle on your body.
- Relieve fever symptoms with a cool cloth. You can relieve the discomfort of fever symptoms by placing a cool, damp washcloth on your skin wherever you feel feverish.[20] It can also help soothe sinus congestion when applied to the forehead and around the eyes.
- A reusable gel pad can be found at most drug stores and can also help you feel cooler.
- To cool a child down with a fever over 102°F or a child that is very uncomfortable with a fever, apply cooled damp towels to the forehead to bring down the body temperature.
- Gargle with salt water. A simple salt water solution can relieve a sore throat, which is associated with the flu. Mix together one tsp of salt with one cup of warm water.
- Gargle for a minute or so. Then spit the water out. Do not swallow the saltwater gargle.
- Try a herbal remedy. There is only limited scientific evidence for most herbal treatments for the flu. However, you may find some relief from one of these remedies. You should consult with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies if you take any medications, have any chronic medical conditions, or are treating a child.[21]
- Take 300mg of Echinacea three times daily. Echinacea may help shorten the duration of your symptoms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people taking immunosuppressant drugs, and people who allergic to ragweed should not use echinacea.
- Take 200mg of American ginseng daily. American ginseng (which is not the same as Siberian or Asian ginseng) may help make flu symptoms milder.[22]
- Take 4 tablespoons per day of Sambucol, an elderberry extract. Sambucol has performed well in shortening the duration of the flu. You can also brew an elderberry tea by steeping 3-5g of dried elderflower in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink three times daily.[23]
- Try a eucalyptus steam treatment. A eucalyptus steam treatment can help soothe a cough or congestion. Add 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil to two cups of boiling water. Allow to boil for one minute, then remove from the heat.[24]
- Move the pot to a stable surface, such as a table or countertop.
- Cover your head with a clean towel and place your head over the pot. Keep your face at least 12 inches away from the water to avoid burns.
- Inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can use peppermint or spearmint oil instead of the eucalyptus if you prefer. The active ingredient in mint, menthol, is an excellent decongestant.
- Do not consume any essential oil internally. Many are toxic when ingested.
EditTreating Flu Symptoms with Medicinal Remedies - Buy Over-The-Counter medicine to treat symptoms. The most common flu symptoms can be effectively treated with a medication you can pick up at your local drugstore. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a medication that is right for you especially if you have medical issues such as high blood pressure, liver, or kidney problems, take other medications, or are pregnant. Keep in mind these will only treat symptoms and are not antiviral drugs.[25]
- Flu aches and pains can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, or a fever and pain reducer like Tylenol (acetaminophen). Be sure to check the package for the recommended dosage. Aspirin should not be given to children under 18.
- Take antihistamines and decongestants to treat congestion.[26]
- Take expectorants and cough suppressants to treat a cough. If your cough is dry and hacking, a cough suppressant that contains dextromethorphan is the best choice. However, if your cough is bringing up mucus, an expectorant containing guaifenesin is a better option to make your cough more productive.[27]
- Be careful to avoid acetaminophen overdose. Many medications contain the same active ingredients, so read labels carefully.[28] Follow the dosing directions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended dose.[29]
- Give children the correct dosage. Use children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen for children. Follow the directions on the packaging for the correct dose. You can alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen if your child's fever does not respond to only one, but make sure you keep track of when you give each medication.
- You can also consult the guidelines at MedlinePlus, which is run by the US National Library of Medicine. They have guidelines for ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Do not give ibuprofen to children who have been vomiting or are dehydrated.[30]
- Never give a child younger than 18 aspirin. It increases the risk of developing Reye syndrome.[31]
- Take prescription medication. If you decide to go to the doctor to get help treating your illness, you may be prescribed one of the following medications, depending on what strains of the flu are circulating. These medications can help reduce symptoms and shorten the illness if they're taken within 48 hours:[32][33]
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is taken orally. Tamiflu is the only flu medication approved by the FDA for use in children younger than 1.[34]
- Zanamivir (Relenza) is inhaled. It can be taken by people aged 7 years or older.[35] It should not be used in people who have asthma or certain other lung problems.
- Peramivir (Rapivab) is administered via IV. It can be used by people 18 or older.[36]
- Amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine) were used to treat influenza A, but many strains of flu (including H1N1) are now resistant to them and these medications are not commonly prescribed.[37]
- Understand that antibiotics will not treat the flu. Influenza is a viral illness. If you need them, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. Do not take antibiotics for the flu.[38]
- Occasionally, you may have a bacterial infection alongside the flu, in which case your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Take medicines as prescribed.
- Taking antibiotics when you don't need them will cause the bacteria that are not killed to become resistant to drug treatment, which makes them much harder to kill with medication. Never take antibiotics unless you have been prescribed them, and ensure that you take the full course of antibiotics prescribed.[39]
EditPreventing the Flu - Get vaccinated before flu season. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitor global health trends and statistics to develop a vaccine for the strains of flu virus that seem most dangerous that year.[40] Flu vaccines are offered at doctor's offices, health clinics, and even drug stores. They don't guarantee a season free of flu sickness, but they protect against many different strains of the virus and reduce your chances of getting the flu by about 60%. If you need to you can get 2 or 3. It lowers your chance of getting the flu. But don't take a bunch of shots because that can make you sick or cause another medical problem or kill you from over-dose ([41] The flu vaccine is available via injection or nasal spray. Injection is more helpful and some doctors stopped using nasal spray but you can always ask![42]
- In the US, most cases of flu occur between October and May, peaking in January or February.[43]
- You may have mild symptoms, such as soreness, headache, or low-grade fever after getting the vaccine. This is your body's reaction to getting to know the viral strain, so it can recognize it and defend you if you come into contact with it during flu season. The vaccine does not cause the flu.[44]
- Talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have certain conditions. In general, all people over the age of 6 months should get a flu vaccine unless they have contraindications.[45] If you have any of the following, you should talk with your doctor before getting vaccinated:[46][47]
- A severe allergy to chicken eggs or gelatin
- A history of severe reactions to a flu vaccination
- A moderate or severe illness with fever (you can get the vaccine once your fever has resolved)
- A history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- A chronic condition like lung disease, heart disease, kidney or liver disorders, etc (only for nasal spray vaccine)
- Asthma (only for nasal spray vaccine)
- Choose between the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine. The flu vaccine is available as an injection and as a nasal spray. Most people can choose either, but you should take into account things such as your age and health conditions when deciding.[48]
 - Also, keep in mind that flu vaccines are made new each year, so their effectiveness will vary. The nasal vaccine may be especially susceptible to this. Talk to your doctor to find out which vaccine is best for you.
- The flu shot is approved for children 6 months and up, as well as pregnant women and people with most chronic medical conditions.
- People who are younger than 65 should not get a high-dose flu shot.[49] People younger than 18 or older than 64 should not get the intradermal flu shot, which is injected into the skin instead of into the muscle.[50] Children younger than 6 months cannot get a flu shot.
- The nasal spray vaccine is approved for people between the ages of 2 and 49.[51]
- Children younger than 2 and adults over age 50 cannot use the nasal spray vaccine. Children aged 2 to 17 on a long-term aspirin regimen cannot use the nasal spray vaccine. Children ages 2 to 4 with asthma should not use the nasal spray vaccine.
- Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not get the nasal spray vaccine. Caretakers for people whose immune systems are extremely compromised should not get the nasal spray vaccine, or stay away from those persons for seven days after vaccination.
- You should not take the nasal spray vaccine if you have taken antiviral drugs for the flu within the past 48 hours.
- Take the flu seriously. The flu is highly contagious, and it can cause serious medical complications. Thanks to vaccination, death rates from flu have been falling steadily for decades, from 40 people per 100,000 in the 1940s to 0.56 per 100,000 in the 1990s. Still, it's important to seek medical treatment if you display the symptoms of flu, and do your best to avoid contagious situations.
- The 2009 H1N1 pandemic caused more than 2,000 deaths worldwide. The CDC believes that another such pandemic is possible, particularly if people do not get adequately vaccinated.[52][53]
- High fevers alone can be quite dangerous. Your body isn't built to handle temperatures of 106F or higher for longer periods of time, and as such, the proteins in your brain could break down, causing temporary or permanent brain damage.[54]
- Practice good hygiene. Washing your hands frequently, especially after returning from a public outing, is a good way to keep yourself from catching the flu. Carry antibacterial hand wipes to use when you find yourself in a place without a sink and soap.[55]
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub or soap.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Use a tissue if you have one. If you don't, sneeze or cough into your elbow, but not your hands -- you're less likely to spread germs this way.[56]
- Keep your body in good general health. Eating well, getting your body's daily recommended dose of vitamins and nutrients, and keeping in shape with exercise is a good defense against the flu. If it does strike, your body will be well-equipped to deal with the illness.
- Getting enough vitamin D may play a role in preventing the flu. Studies suggest that a daily supplement of 1200 IUs per day can help prevent influenza A.[57] Good sources include sunshine, fatty fish such as salmon, and vitamin A and D enriched milk.[58]
- Studies also show that sleeping and eating at the same time everyday can help your body better defend itself.[59]
- Sleep with a pillow or two under your head to help relieve nasal congestion.
- A homeopathic method is to ingest one clove of garlic, finely chopped and mixed into approximately four tablespoons of yogurt, each morning and each evening, for three consecutive days. It quickly improves symptoms of nausea and loose stools.
- Make tea and add honey and/or lemon juice. While it's cooling down, inhale the steam. Doing this helps congestion and the tea, when you drink it, helps your throat get less sore, killing two birds with one stone!
- Call your doctor if your flu symptoms include a fever over for more than two days, chest pain, difficulty breathing or fainting. You should also call if your symptoms do not improve within 10 days or if they worsen significantly during that time.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment