Influenza is on the move in Maryland and St. Mary's County.

Ever had that sudden onset of feeling horrible - high fever, chills, dry cough, muscle aches and occasionally congestion?

Welcome to the flu. Since the winter has been so mild, the flu bug is particularly virulent. Symptoms are worse and can last 3-6 weeks. A medication called Tamiflu, can be prescribed to shorten the course (by 30 hours) and lessen the severity of the symptoms, if administered within 2 days of the onset of symptoms. Treatment is mostly symptomatic - fluids, extra Vitamin C, rest, Ibuprofen and Tylenol for the fever and treat the cough and congestion with Mucinex/Robitussin. Adding a cool mist vaporizer at the bedside helps with the secretions and cough. Sometimes steroids are needed to calm down the cough. In some cases, we are seeing progression into bronchitis and pneumonia.

Take care of yourself - get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and exercise good handwashing!