FORT LEE, Va. (Oct. 1, 2015) -- Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, result in death during extreme cases.
Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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, 2014, 105 flu-related deaths in children were reported to CDCP from 30 states.
"Flu season" in the U.S. can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Symptoms include the following:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose,
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue
It's important to note not everyone with flu will have a fever. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. The CDCP reports those at higher risk include older people, pregnant women, young children and individuals with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease).
It is important to note not everyone should take an influenza vaccine. It is not approved for children younger than 6 months of age. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine should generally not be vaccinated. There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These individuals 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) that occurred after receiving a influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza.
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, National Institutes of Health suggest 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 CDCP, yearly vaccination should begin soon after flu vaccine is available, ideally by October. While seasonal outbreaks can happen as early as October, influenza activity usually peaks in January or later. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body. Antibodies protect individuals against influenza virus infection. It is best to get vaccinated before influenza begins spreading in the community.
The 2015-16 influenza vaccines include an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the vaccine. Influenza vaccines may be given by injection-intramuscular/intradermal or by nasal spray. It is important to note the shot cannot cause the flu, as it is a dead virus.
CDCP has not expressed a preference for which flu vaccine people should get this season. In 2014-15, CDCP recommended use of the nasal spray vaccine in healthy children 2 to 8 years of age when it is immediately available and if the child has no contraindications or precautions to that vaccine. However, on Feb. 26, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices did not renew this preferential recommendation for the upcoming flu season.
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, take these steps to feel better:
• Get extra rest. Sleep can help people feel better. It also will help avoid spreading the virus to other people.
• 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 the body with lukewarm water to reduce 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. People may also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fever. Follow all instructions on the label. If giving medicine to children, follow your pediatrician's advice about what amount to give. 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 or 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 48 hours of getting sick.
Antivirals are usually prescribed for 5 days, although people hospitalized with the flu may need the medicine for longer than 5 days. Some influenza viruses develop resistance to the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of treatment. The World Health Organization monitors antiviral susceptibility among circulating viruses to provide timely guidance for antiviral use in clinical management.
Once Kenner Army Health Clinic receives shipment of vaccines, additional information about immunization procedures will be announced in the Traveller.
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