It's Flu Season Again
By, Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, Northeast
Pediatrics
The flu season has approached us once again. Best protection
against the flu is knowledge and action.
What is the flu? The flu is a highly contagious viral respiratory
infection that is caused by the influenza virus. There are three
types of influenza viruses: A,B,C. Influenza A infects humans and
animals. Influenza B and C only infect humans, with C causing only
mild illness. It is spread by respiratory droplets, which means
from coughing, sneezing, and through saliva. You can spread the
illness one day prior to having symptoms up to 5 days after
becoming sick. It can be mild to severe to even causing death in
rare cases.
Is the flu really that bad? Many of us think the flu is just a
common cold and a little rest will make us all better. The flu and
common cold are both caused by viruses, but the flu is a little
more severe. Both start with a runny nose, cough, congestion, body
aches, and fever. However, the flu has a more rapid and violent
onset and higher fevers. The average adult will get a cold 2-4
times a year and a child 6-8 times a year. The flu will definitely
feel different with the worst of the symptoms lasting 3-5 days and
generalized symptoms lasting as long as 2-3 weeks. Symptoms of the
flu include high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough,
sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle aches, and sometimes
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Complications can occur, especially
in the elderly and the very young. These include bacterial
pneumonia, sinus infection, ear infection, and dehydration. Other
implications of the flu are school absenteeism, days off of work
(up to 3 weeks in some cases), and even a mild depressive mood
after the illness. Every year, 5-20% of the population gets the
flu, with more than 200,000 requiring hospitalization.
How can I protect myself? Hearing about the horrible statistics
and the severe symptoms makes us wonder what we should do to keep
healthy. There are many avenues of prevention. Most importantly,
get the flu vaccine. The best time to get the vaccine is in
October or November, but anytime during the season even up to
April will provide protection. The flu season lasts well into
April/May.
Who should get the vaccine? The answer is anyone who wants to
protect themselves against the terrible illness. The high-risk
group should be the first to receive the vaccine by the end of
October. This group includes the following:
-
individuals 65 years and older
-
children between 6 months and 23
months of age
-
individuals with chronic lung or heart
disease (including asthma)
-
nursing home or long term facility
residents
-
children 6 months to18 years old who
are on chronic aspirin therapy
-
women who will be in their second or
third trimester of pregnancy during the season
-
household contacts of the high risk
group
-
daycare workers of 6-23 month olds
It sounds like everyone should get the
flu vaccine-is that true? Although the list of people who should
get the vaccine is long, there are a small number that should not.
Those individuals with severe allergy to chicken eggs, or a severe
reaction to a previous flu shot, or a history of Guillain Barre
Syndrome (a progressive paralysis of the extremities that usually
resolves) within 6 weeks after a previous flu shot. Individuals
with moderate to severe illness with fever should not get the flu
shot until symptoms have resolved.
What if I think I have the flu? Rapid onset of symptoms is
characteristic of the flu, so call the doctor early because there
are antiviral medications that may help decrease the duration and
severity. The doctor can diagnose the flu mainly from history and
physical exam. There is a rapid screen that can be done in an
office now. If diagnosed with the flu within 48-72 hours, the
doctor will discuss antiviral medications. In addition, drink
plenty of fluids, get lots of rest, eat healthy, take
acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches, decongestants and
cough syrup as needed. These medications only give symptomatic
relief, not a cure. Avoid Aspirin in children less than 18 years
old due to an increased risk of Reye Syndrome (a liver and
neurological disease) when given during a viral illness.
The flu season can cause a lot of anxiety for the public. This
article will help answer many questions that may arise. Please
call your doctor or email
dr.bhumi@northeastkids.com
for further questions.
Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, a Board Certified Pediatrician and active
member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, graduated from the
University of Miami six year Honors Program in Medicine. She
completed her residency at The Children's Hospital of Michigan and
has been practicing in the Tampa bay area for five years.
Northeast Pediatrics is a new solo pediatric practice, which
opened on November 1st 2005. Our mission is to provide personal
pediatric care to families of our community. Call 526-PEDS to
inquire about availability of the flu vaccine. |
