A healthier 2008

Welcome to readers, here is wishing you a healthy 2008!

At the moment, a lot of our friends are suffering from the current spate of virus infections.

These range from heavy flu-like symptoms, to a very chesty cough. Of late there have been incidents of Norovirus too. A few of these are listed below.

We encourage you to eat healthy - fresh fruits and vegetables, stay warm, and drink plenty of fluids to help you get through this current cold period.

• Heavy Cold

Providing symptoms akin to a flu, the heavy cold can force a patient to spend around 3 days in bed, with severe aches and a high temperature. The symptoms pass away quickly, leaving behind a normal cold with runny nose, sore throat etc. 

• Influenza

Basically the flu. It is a virus that can be deadly to the elderly, and the NHS assists with free vaccines for those at risk. Aches and pains, and high temperatures render the patient bedbound for a long time. 

There is currently an increase of cases in the USA, and one particular strain is causing hospitals much cause for concern. There are some reports of this passing to the UK, with victims suffering 3 to 4 days in bed before becoming mobile.

• Norovirus
  

Norovirus refers to a group of viruses that are the most common cause of stomach upsets (gastroenteritis) in the UK. As these viruses tend to be more common in thr Winter months, and their symptoms are particularly virulent, Norovirus is normally refered to as the "Winter Vomiting Bug".

Symptoms
Obviously vomiting, often violent, projectile vomiting that can be very distressing to experience or witness. Also extensive diarrhoea. Fever and flu-like symptoms may also occur. Because immunity to norovirus is short-lived, both children and adults can be affected. This is in contrast to the much more serious rotovirus, which mainly affects children only.

Take care this Winter - and stay healthy in 2008.
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(c) Vegetrition Ltd.
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