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The Bride and the Flu Don’t let illness put a damper on your wedding day 
In the countdown to your wedding day don't let your eagerness overtake your common sense. Skipping meals, staying up late, stressing over details and taking a pass on practical hygiene can make you more susceptible to illness, including the flu. Getting the flu just before your wedding can turn those prenuptial butterflies into a horde of angry elephants stomping through your system. You can reduce your risk of catching the flu, shorten its duration and prevent its spread to the rest of your wedding party by taking a few practical steps, says Dr. Susan Rehm, medical director for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and a physician in the Department of Infectious Disease at the Cleveland Clinic The U.S. flu season lasts from November through March, and the first line of defense is to get an influenza vaccine, says the expert. The vaccine, which is usually offered in October and November, isn't in short supply this year, according to Rehm. Check with your physician to see if it's appropriate for you. Second is to wash your hands often. This helps prevent the spread of your germs and those of others with whom you come in contact. "I can't overemphasize it. Use soap and water and wash for 20 to 30 seconds. If you're traveling, use water-free hand cleansers," says Dr. Rehm. And although it's easy to ignore the advice, get adequate rest, eat a balanced diet and avoid stress, says Rehm. If you do experience flu-symptoms (see the description that follows), contact your healthcare provider. Getting a prescription anti-viral medication (Tamiflu is the brand name of a medication Rehm suggests) might make the difference between having a wedding on schedule and a postponement. An anti-viral medication must be given within 48 hours of the [flu] onset and reduces the length of time that you're ill, Dr. Rehm says. Is it Flu? Cold and flu symptoms are distinct, adds Rehm. A cold is more gradual at the onset. You may start with a slightly scratchy feeling or feel a little congested. This gives way to a stuffy nose and sneezing. Influenza, however, is sudden in onset. You probably won't have respiratory symptoms at the beginning. Instead you'll experience muscle aches and feel feverish, followed by a sore throat. Typically you could be bedridden for five to seven days. But if you receive an antiviral medication promptly you could shorten the course of the flu by two days, according to Rehm. |
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