The Great Austin Schffle: What Mystery Malaise is Making You Wheeze?
Howdy, hot mess heroes of Austin! Are you sniffling like a bloodhound on a barbecue trail? Hacking up more phlegm than a tuba player at a polka convention? Fear not, fellow sufferers! We wade into the murky depths of Austin's current affliction to separate the sniffles from the sneezes.
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| What Flu Is Going Around Austin |
The Culprit? It's a Medical Mystery...Mostly.
Doctors are seeing a rise in respiratory woes, but pinpointing the exact culprit is trickier than wrangling a greased armadillo at a rodeo. Flu? Maybe. COVID? A possibility. Common Cold? Don't rule it out! It's a veritable villain variety show down there in your lungs.
The Usual Flu Felons: A Rogues' Gallery of Respiratory Rascals
- Influenza A: This heavyweight throws punches like a champion, bringing fever, fatigue, and a cough that sounds like a kazoo solo.
- Influenza B: The lightweight cousin of Influenza A, packing a milder punch but still a contender in the misery games.
- The Common Cold: The nuisance neighbor of the flu, bringing runny nose, congestion, and a general feeling of blah.
But wait! There's more to this story than meets the mucus membrane! RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) has also been rearing its ugly head, especially in kiddos.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
So, How Do We Know Who Dunnit?
Getting tested is your best bet. A doctor can play medical detective and identify the exact villain causing your woes. This is important, because the treatment plan differs depending on the culprit.
Here's the not-so-funny part: Regardless of the specific illness, feeling crummy stinks. So let's all be good samaritans and help stop the spread! Wash those hands like you just wrestled a sweaty rodeo clown, and stay home if you're under the weather.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
FAQs: Your Guide to Not Spreading the Ick
How to Dodge the Doom Germs?
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- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away in the trash.
How to Feel Better Faster?
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms like fever, cough, and congestion.
- Talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days.
How to Decide Between the Flu Shot and the COVID Vaccine?
Talk to your doctor! They can help you decide which vaccine(s) are right for you.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
How to Survive Being Stuck at Home Sick?
- Binge-watch that show you've been meaning to see.
- Catch up on your reading list.
- Order takeout and have a movie marathon in your PJs.
- Basically, embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing (except for maybe, occasionally getting up to get tissues).
Stay healthy, Austin! And remember, laughter is the best medicine (unless you have a broken arm, then see a doctor about that).
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