By SARAH L. OSTLER
Most people combat the flu with rest and juice because of the discomfort. But there are other reasons and methods for treating the virus.
The following facts were found at http://www.medscape.com/Affiliates/NFID/factsheets/influadult.html:
-- Each year, as many as 20,000 Americans die from the flu or related illnesses.
-- The virus changes each year, so annual flu shots are necessary for people in high-risk groups.
-- Influenza and pneumonia together are the sixth leading cause of death for senior citizens.
-- In 1968-69, the Hong Kong flu led to 34,000 American deaths.
-- Influenza can be prevented with a safe, effective vaccine.
The website encourages those who easily contract the virus to get the vaccine.
There are ways to naturally fight or avoid getting the virus, according to http://www.opendoor.com/IEHealth/Flu01.html:
-- Vitamin C. Take 1,000 mg per day. The duration of the illness be cut almost in half, and so will the severity of the symptoms.
-- Zinc. Suck on a 30 mg tablet like a cough drop and a sore throat may be alleviated.
-- Copper. Take 2 to 3 mg of copper with zinc. The two vitamins work together and taking just zinc could contribute to heart disease.
-- Beta-carotene. This will help avoid illness or recover faster. Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes and tomatoes, are sources of beta carotene.
-- Exercise. This has been shown to reduce the incidence of colds and flu.
-- Happiness. Studies have actually proven that hostility reduces immune system levels while loving feelings increase the levels.
-- Toothbrushes. Throw your old one out when you are about five days into the virus. Get a new one and make sure to thoroughly rinse it after using.
-- Paper Cups. If you have regular cups in your bathroom, start using disposable cups. Regular cups rarely get washed and can transmit diseases easily.
-- Washing. Wash your dishes in the dishwasher, rather than by hand if you can. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Wash your hands often.
-- Water. Drink a lot of water. It will keep you hydrated, flush out the 'invaders and the debris from their battle with your immune system,' and thin your mucous, decreasing the likelihood of secondary infections. Even drinking hot chocolate or Ovaltine is good, the website said.
-- Spices. Garlic, cayenne pepper, black pepper, turmeric and curry spices, and ginger all provide some antiviral and antibacterial effects. Mixing a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper and one of chili powder into a glass of water and drinking it down, loosens up the chest and gives temporary relief for sore throat.
'In Latin cultures where there is heavy use of cayenne and other hot peppers, bronchitis is rare because of this effect,' according to the website.
All of these things will help make the illness less intense and prevention more likely.
Dr. Gus Hoffman of pediatrics and immunizations at the McDonald Health Center urges students to avoid other sick people.
Roommates often share eating utensils or glasses and this is a common way to transmit the virus, Hoffman said.
Since the virus is 'spread through airborne droplets of respiratory fluids,' people should wash their hands often, according to the Better Homes and Gardens Cold and Flu Guide.
For those who have trouble distinguishing between allergies, a cold, and the flu, the website http://www.bhglive.com/coldflu/whatails.htm offers a checklist of symptoms with almost immediate response and advice on how to treat the ailment.