Nose for News by Sarah Stultz

“Oh no,” I thought to myself as I read my friend’s Facebook page Saturday evening before I went to bed.

My friend has seven children, and at that time, three of the children had been hit with the stomach flu.

Though my own children have had the flu over the years a few times, I think the last time I, myself, had been sick throwing up was during my first pregnancy nine years ago. I had been lucky enough not to have to deal with the flu since.

I didn’t think much more of it as I went to bed and prepared mentally for all the things I had to do the next morning at church. Then I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Three or four hours later, I woke up. It was pitch black outside, and I ran to the bathroom. I had a weird feeling in my stomach, and before I knew it, I was throwing up in the toilet myself.

A few minutes later, I hobbled back to my bedroom, hoping the worst was over.

The worst was over, I learned later, though I would continue to feel queasy and have the chills for the next 36 hours. I took off work on Monday, hoping to get a little rest, and about halfway through the day, things were looking up.

As I write this column now — on Monday night — my stomach feels back to normal, and I’m glad it is over — for me at least. I’m crossing my fingers that I’m the only one in my house that’s going to get this.

As the night when on and I checked Facebook again, I saw posts all over about other people across the country with the flu — posts about infants with high temperatures who were being taken into the emergency room. It is spreading like wildfire.

As my poor friend stated, “I hate stomach flu season. I loathe it.”

So, what can be done to protect yourself from the flu? After doing a quick online search, I came across some tips for avoiding cold and flu germs. The tips seemed rather logical, but I thought I’d list them anyway:

• Wash your hands.

According to WebMD.com, “Hands are veritable germ factories, so keep them away from your nose and mouth. Also keep them away from your food during cold and flu season.”

• Keep cold and flu germs off surfaces.

Whether its doorknobs, keyboards, telephones or pens, all of these surfaces can harbor germs.

• Exercise.

A little exercise a few times a week can strengthen your heart and your immune system.

• Consider  other options such as acupuncture, chicken soup and herbal remedies.

Some of these methods seem like common sense, but it appears they are key.

Whatever your method to avoiding the flu this season, stick with it. It appears it is spreading rapidly.

On Monday I saw that my friend with the seven children updated her Facebook post. Instead of just the three who had been hit with the flu, now all seven had been affected. Poor momma.

Sarah Stultz is the managing editor of the Tribune. Her column appears every Tuesday.