FORT LEE, Va. (Sept. 4, 2014) -- Flu -- or influenza as it's known in the medical community -- is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, the Centers for Disease Control, estimates flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. As of July 19, 105 flu-related deaths among children were reported to CDC from 30 states.
"Flu season" can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Symptoms of influenza may not be the same for everyone. According to the National Institute of Health, people who have the flu may feel some or all of these symptoms:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuff nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How does the flu spread? Most experts believe flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get it by touching a surface or object that has this virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. The CDC reports those at higher risk for complications include older people, pregnant women, young children and individuals with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
How can people avoid getting the flu? The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. When more people get vaccinated, less flu can spread through that community. In addition to the influenza vaccine, NIH suggests avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home from work, school, and errands when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; washing your hands often; and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
According to the CDC, yearly vaccination should begin soon after flu vaccine is available, ideally by October. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, usually influenza activity peaks in January or later. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body. Antibodies protect us against influenza virus infection. It is best to get vaccinated so everyone is protected before influenza begins spreading in the community.
It is important to note that not everyone should receive an influenza vaccine. It is not approved for children younger than 6 months of age. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine generally should not be vaccinated. There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. They include:
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated)
• People with a history of Guillain--Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving an influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza.
The World Health Organization states there are 3 types of seasonal influenza viruses -- A, B and C. Type A viruses are further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of various virus surface proteins. Among many subtypes of influenza A viruses, influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) subtypes are circulating among humans.
Influenza viruses circulate in all parts of the world. Type C cases occur much less frequently than A and B. That is why only influenza A and B viruses are included in seasonal vaccines.
There are several flu vaccine options for the 2014-2015 season. Traditional vaccines (called "trivalent" vaccines) are made to protect against three different viruses (two A viruses and one B virus). Quadrivalent vaccines also are available and protect against four different flu viruses (two A viruses and two B viruses). Influenza vaccines may be given by injection-intramuscular/intradermal or by nasal spray.
CDC has not expressed a preference for which vaccine people should get this season; however, it recommends use of the nasal spray vaccine in healthy children, 2-8 years of age, when it is immediately available and if the child has no contraindications or precautions to that vaccine. If the nasal spray vaccine is not immediately available and the flu shot is, vaccination should not be delayed and a shot should be given. Always check with s pediatrician if clarification is needed.
In most healthy people, the flu will go away in 5-7 days, but can last as long as 10 days. The worst symptoms usually last 3-4 days. Home treatment to ease symptoms and prevent complications is usually all that is needed. In the meantime, individuals can take steps to feel better:
Get extra rest. Bed rest can help people feel better. It also will help individuals avoid spreading the virus to others.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from fever. Fluids also ease a scratchy throat and keep nasal mucus thin. Water, soup, fruit juice and hot tea with lemon are all good choices.
If fever is uncomfortable, sponge your body with lukewarm water to reduce the temperature. Do not use cold water, ice or rubbing alcohol. Lowering the fever will not make symptoms go away faster, but it may make individuals more comfortable. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) also will reduce fever. Follow all instructions on the label. When giving medicine to children, follow a pediatrician's advice about what dosage. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome (a rare but potentially fatal disease of the brain and liver).
Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu� and Relenza� can lessen symptoms and shorten the time people are sick by 1-2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick.
Antivirals are usually prescribed for 5 days, although people hospitalized with the flu may need the medicine a longer period. Some viruses develop resistance to the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of treatment. The WHO monitors antiviral susceptibility among circulating influenza viruses to provide timely guidance for antiviral use in clinical management.
Antibiotics are not useful for treating viral illnesses such as influenza. Antibiotics should only be used if there is a bacterial complication of the flu such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infection or sinusitis. Antibiotics can cause side effects and lead to development of antibiotic resistance.
There are a wide variety of herbal, homeopathic, and other complementary and alternative treatments that are marketed for influenza. Unfortunately, there have been few well designed studies to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
The 2014-2015 flu-season will be here soon. Take care of yourself and your community and get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available.
(Editor's note: Kenner Clinic will announce the availability of flu vaccines in the Traveller when the requested shipment is received.)
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