If you thought flu season was over by Christmas, think again. There’s a pretty impressive outbreak of the virus being tracked in parts of Iowa.Dr. Gregory Peterson says we’re probably entering a higher peak season than we’d expected, and flu is higher this month and could even continue into next month. Peterson says while the recent cold snap can’t be blamed for flu and colds directly, it increases your chances of getting a bug as we’re all inside together, especially at gatherings like the basketball tournaments, and can catch something. Even the everyday grocery store can be a culprit, says the doctor. People are coughing, picking things up, and you can pick up germs that, if you don’t keep your hands clean, you will “inoculate” yourself with their illness. Dr. Peterson says since antibiotics won’t help with a virus, all you can do is treat the symptoms. Get plenty of rest, plenty of liquids, a limited amount of Tylenol and even home remedies. The doctor says chicken soup can’t hurt, and he’s also seen a new prescription drug called “tami-flu” help with symptoms. One pharmaceutical company sponsors a website to track reported cases of the disease, at www.flustar.com.
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