Low cost health resources
Knowing when to go to the doctor and how to access low cost resources can help make flu season go a lot smoother and safer.
Even though professional medical attention is recommended during flu season, some very simple and stress free home treatments help alleviate flu symptoms and speed recovery. Steam from a humidifier or hot shower helps reduce nasal congestion. Drinking at least eleven 8 oz cups of fluids a day can reduce headaches caused by dehydration. Resting and getting in good sleep cycles can also speed recovery, according to medical sources.
Dr. Nurit Crystal, a family practitioner, advises to avoid trying to tough out the flu because it is a serious viral illness and can put down even the healthiest of people for weeks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not everyone experiences every flu symptom, and some people’s flu symptoms may be more severe. A 5-year-old from Eugene recently died from the H1N1 virus, according to KVAL News.
Anyone experiencing flu symptoms of a 100 degrees or higher, fever, excessive vomiting, persistent deep coughing, painful breathing, and/or short, shallow breathing, should consider getting medical attention. They should make sure to let doctors know all symptoms, according to the CDC, and not rely on home remedies. A couple places in Douglas County offer low cost health care and flu shots for those who are unable to afford medical bills. Umpqua Community Health Center accepts OHP and offers flu shots on a sliding scale, meaning the cost of services depends upon income. This clinic is now accepting new patients and is also a primary care clinic. For more information, call (541)672-9596 or visit www.umpquachc.org.
The Douglas County Health Department is also accepting new patients. They also accept OHP. This Health Department has branches in Canyonville, Drain and Reedsport which offer flu vaccinations and low cost health services. For a general flu shot, the cost is $32. For children ages 6 months to 18 years who are on OHP or have no health insurance, the cost is $21.91 and can be waived. For more information on Douglas County Health Department call (541) 440-3500 or visit www.co.douglas.or.us/health.
Semi-homemade chicken noodle soup
There are many homemade remedies for getting over the flu, but homemade chicken soup is a classic meal that is therapeutic to many.
This simple version is easy to make when you are sick.
Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken (fully cooked)
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
Directions:
- Remove skin off a fully cooked rotisserie chicken. Discard skin. Pull meat from carcass. Cut meat into bite size pieces. Put meat in separate bowl and refrigerate.
- Put chicken carcass (bones) in a large pot. Add chicken broth until carcass is completely submerged. Simmer uncovered on low heat for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, strain broth into separate pan. Discard carcass.
- Put broth over low-medium heat. Add carrots, celery, oregano and basil. Simmer until tender.
- In a separate pot of boiling water, add noodles. Cook on a rolling boil 8-10 minutes. Strain.
- Add noodles with broth and veggies.
- Serve with crackers or biscuits.