How to Fight the Type A Flu Virus

The Type A Flu Virus is the most dangerous of the flu strains. It is important to prevent and treat it as quickly as possible to prevent reinfection or the spreading of this dangerous virus to others. In addition, this flu season, most of the suspected Type A Flu Virus cases are actually cases of the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C
• Chicken soup
• Oral thermometer
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Instructions

1. Take 500 mg of Vitamin C each day to strengthen your immune system. Studies have shown that Vitamin C taken each day increases your chances of preventing the flu and, if ill, quickens your recovery time.

2. Eat at least three bowls of chicken soup each day. Chicken soup has been shown to display antibiotic and antiviral properties. If your body is trying to fight off the Type A Flu Virus, the antiviral agents in the chicken soup will give your body some extra help.

3. Take your oral temperature often. A normal oral temperature for adults is 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The Type A Flu Virus can cause high body temperatures, and if your temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to lower your body temperature.

4. Take 1,000 mg of acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, for pain and fever. The Type A Flu Virus can cause a fever in excess of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is one of your body's natural defenses against illness, but having a fever too high can denature the proteins in your body, which sometimes causes irreversible damage or death. Be careful not to exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day, which can quickly cause liver damage. Carefully check the ingredients of other over-the-counter medications you may be taking. If you have questions, contact your physician or pharmacist for further guidance.

5. Take 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, for pain and fever. Alternate the ibuprofen with the acetaminophen. After taking the acetaminophen, wait 2 hours, and take the first dose of ibuprofen. This alternating schedule will help reduce body aches from the Type A Flu Virus and will help keep your body temperature at a safe level. Do not exceed 3,200 mg of ibuprofen per day.

6. Wash your hands often. It's best to wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and water after every trip to the bathroom or after handling used tissues. If soap and water are unavailable or inconvenient, rub your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 30 seconds, being sure to get up underneath the fingernails. These hand sanitizers have been shown to kill the Type A Flu Virus.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluid while sick to fight off the Type A Flu Virus. Being hydrated thins mucous from head and chest congestiton and helps your body to expel it. Even if you lose your appetite, try to eat at least three meals a day to give your body the extra energy needed to recover.

• The Type A Flu Virus can be very dangerous. If your body temperature reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit, call your doctor or visit your local Emergency Room immediately. Other symptoms that require emergency treatment include shortness of breath, disorientation, seizures, fainting, and rapid heart beat. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately and go to the nearest Emergency Room. If you are unable to drive, call 911.