With the early onset of flu season this year, many Canadians' immune systems have been caught off guard. So what does the technologically-inclined Red Crosser do when they feel the onset of flu symptoms? When chicken soup won't cut it (and when you are done tracking the flu on google.org), you may turn to one of these apps:
1. "Help, I have the flu" is a Facebook app that helps you track the source of your flu virus based on your friends status updates and location check ins. Once guilt is determined, you can also message the person through the app or purchase remedies for your fellow flu-friend.
2. Fight the Flu is a free app that offers a comprehensive guide to everything flu-related including a list of symptoms, treatment and prevention tips, a location-based flu tracker, and a pharmacy and emergency room locator.
3. Flu Defender is an free interactive app to help you search symptoms, determine whether or not you need a flu shot, and provides real-time news from blogs, podcasts, and the CDC Flu Twitter feed.
4. Everyone knows the best way to prevent and treat the flu is by getting enough sleep. The Sleep Cycle app can help track your sleep patterns and determine whether or not you are getting enough zzzz's.
5. Many of us will turn to Grandma's home remedies to cure any of our ailments. The Reader's Digest Easy Home Remedies app might be the next best thing, with home cures for over 70 injuries and illnesses. The cold and flu cures like inhaling steam to cure a stuffy nose are right out of Grandma's book!
6. If you've ever searched for symptoms and symptom relief, you have probably found WebMD. Their new app includes a symptom checker to help identify your illness or injury and treatments to help remedy them. You can also bookmark your favourite articles for easy access. This free app is available on iOS and Android.
7. The First Aid app from the American Red Cross has also been updated to include flu prevention information.
And remember, while apps may be fun, they can’t replace professional medical advice should you require it!
What are your favourite flu remedies or apps? Tell us in the comments!