One Flu Over Calgary…. Hey, Was That A flying Pig?

So, do you think you have to be crazy to be concerned about the Swine Flu? A Calgary flu epidemic is just as likely as anywhere else and your health is what is at risk.

I’m not suggesting you have to go “crazy fanatical” about protecting yourself. The common sense things like – keeping your hands off your face, washing frequently (your hands), keeping a safe distance (6 ft.) away from sick people, and not sharing licks off your three year old’s Tootsie Pop – are more than adequate to give you a good chance of not getting the flu. Keeping those ugly viruses out of your body is what you trying to do.

Sanity is in the knowing

So, how do you know if you have the flu and not some silly little cold (come on… a cold, that’s not sick!)? Actually, there are many similar symptoms that the common Calgary cold and flu share. If you give thought to it, you’ll realize that both are simply viral infections that have entered your body through mucous membranes of your nose, eyes, and/or mouth. Both the cold and flu affect the throat, can cause headaches, affect your sinuses and even may produce a fever. However, there are a few things that may be different.

Typically, the flu will come on much quicker than a cold. In most cases the symptoms will be more severe and last longer (watch out – a cold can be severe too). Additionally, the flu can pack a little extra fun – vomiting. And that’s not all! If it’s the flu, pneumonia may also be in the offering. If you perceive a shortness of breath when sick, it may do you good to see your Doctor as this could be a sign that pneumonia has come into play. As a matter of fact, if you are ever in doubt about what you have caught, do see your family doctor.

Why is this flu different from other flus?

There are thousands of different kinds of viruses that can cause the flu. New strains develop frequently and each one is different from the one before it. The seasonal flu is actually comprised of several different strains of flu. Swine flu is a new, different strain of virus.

What are the swine flu stages I keep hearing about?

The World Health Organization, WHO, developed a plan to respond to health emergencies, like swine flu, which have the potential to become pandemic. Each stage represents a different level of response. For example, Stage 4 means that the disease can no longer be contained inside any specific country, therefore governments must take steps to handle community spread of the disease. As of late spring 2009, H1N1 swine flu was labeled pandemic by WHO, meaning it had reached Stage 5. (You can follow WHO swine flu staging for changes and updates.)

An ounce of prevention can cure a lot of crazy things; including the Calgary Flu

Getting sick isn’t much fun; who wants to sit around trying to figure out if you have a cold or the flu? Yeah, not me either. I can think of several things that would be more fun – watching Lawrence Welk reruns, studying for a final, heck even pulling teeth would be more fun than a cold or flu. But really, I think even working on a strong solution to Calgary influenza prevention can be a lot of fun. For instance, you could start a healthy exercise routine, or even move your current exercise plan up a notch or two. Nothing helps your body deal with infection better, than keeping it at its optimal level of health.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be a lot of hard work. Instead, it should be a lot of fun that you work hard at. Take for instance this list of fun things you can do to get yourself started.

· Go on bike rides

· Take Dance Lessons

· Try your hand (and feet) at ice skating

· When the snows on the mountain, go skiing

And there are many more, however, these are just starting points or filler. If you really want to bring your level of health to the top you should see a personal trainer. A personal trainer can give you many ideas to help establish a healthy lifestyle that will help beat any Calgary flu epidemic. In fact, the best personal trainers – the trainers in the know – hang out at Calgary personal trainer spot, http://www.fitnessbootcampscanada.com/. These guys know how to have fun at working hard. Every session is, like… having an exercise party! So don’t wait until you see “Pigs Fly”. These guys are insane about wanting to help you protect your health. So make an appointment today; the “Doctors” are in!

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