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.