I know we’re all anxious about swine flu this season, but the truth is that for most people, the flu–no matter what type of flu it is–doesn’t pose a serious danger. Colds and flu normally cause what doctors like to refer to as “self-limited” illness–this means you feel sick but eventually get better on your own. Typically there’s really no point in calling the doctor, because antibiotics don’t work on flu since it’s caused by a virus. Anti-viral medications, such as Tamiflu, aren’t usually necessary to recover.
In some cases, though, the flu develops into something more dangerous, such as pneumonia or other complications.
I strongly recommend Read Next: (with comments)
When to call the Doctor
by Melanie Haiken, Caring.com
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Conflicts of interest? Dr. Mehmet Oz owns 150,000 option shares in vaccine technology company
Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_rKKawZx0I
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