The Flu Is Going Around Yakima- Ways to Guard Your Health

Watch out for this sneaky (and scary) virus that's been going around. It's called Influenza A. Here are the symptoms and here's some first-hand advice to deal with it. This thing is no joke, some 28 people have already died from it statewide, confirmed by lab results from the WA Department of Health and the Yakima Health District.

The Scary Virus Currently Sweeping Through Local Households

My household went this whole fall and winter season without getting the flu until this past week, and we got laid down bad! It started out with just my daughter who had come down with the flu, but sadly, I caught the virus too.

This strain of Influenza A laid me down so bad I felt like Fred Sanford, going, "Elizabeth, I'm coming to join you, honey!"

I'll share the symptoms and how I dealt with it (besides looking up Sandford & Son gifs) so that if you or your family catch this yucky strain of the flu, you'll already be equipped to know how to make it through to the other side okay.

Symptoms of Influenza A

The virus will hit you like a Mack truck--one minute you're feeling great, the next, you're feeling weak and unable to physically move in your bed without feeling pain in your whole body. You'll get a fever.

Expect to develop a cough, too, and . if you're a smoker, this strain of the flu could make you so sick you won't even think about stepping outside for a puff! This strain of flu feels like its attacking your lungs and stomach, not just your sinuses.

You will also lose your appetite, possibly for DAYS (that's what happened to me and my kiddo).

Read More: Flu Season Has Arrived in Yakima—Health Officials Say It's Flu Shot Time

How to Cope With the Flu

Your nose will get runny, so keep a whole new roll of tissue right by your bedside. Keep some strength ibuprofen or acetaminophen close by, too. You will need some ginger ale if you develop an upset stomach despite the fact you haven't eaten in days.

The ginger ale will help, and so will some hearty soup, whether it's chicken noodle with , saltine crackers or broccoli cheddar & rice soup (the Panera one from Fred Meyer was the MVP for me). We also drank lots of Power Ade. Shout out to my friends who dropped off these essentials at my doorstep because I was too sick to leave the house.

Expect to use at least 2 to 3 sick days. This is not just for you to recover, but also to avoid speading your contagion around the office.

But First, Use Some Freaking Common Sense

You can help prevent catching (and spreading) this junk by washing your hands (please!) and covering your coughs. I guarantee you it's likely to catch the flu by inhaling air that has been release from freshly uncovered coughs from unhygienic people. If you get sick, wearing a face mask comes in clutch just for moments like this.

Good luck avoiding this flu, and may the Schwarz be with you!