Karen’s Opinion

We got more snow last night, making all our trees so beautiful. The branches look like they are shovels holding snow. I love it when the snow comes down in huge flakes. I should say, I love it when I can be indoors and watching from my warm house. The roads around here are a mess. We have had some warm days where the snow has melted and when it freezes again the roads become very icy. I am glad I work from our business here at home. Hubby has had a heck of a time getting to the jobs out in the country.

It seems as though the flu bug has hit here in the midwest.

Symptoms of flu include:

* fever (usually high)
* headache
* extreme tiredness
* dry cough
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* muscle aches
* Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of Flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. I recommend staying home when at all possible. If you have to go out, wash your hands all the time or use anti bacterial wipes.