Flu season is starting to peak in nearly 45 states this month. So far, there have been 29 reported deaths in children this season; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are between 4,000 and 50,000 flu-related deaths annually. This year’s strain is particularly virulent — meaning much more severe — and most cases appear to be due to the Hong Kong flu (also known as H3N2 strain). The CDC is reporting that there are nearly 14,000 new cases of flu diagnosed each week.
What Is Flu?
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection. There are several strains of flu and each year, epidemiologists and infectious disease experts at the CDC determine which strain is likely to be most prevalent in order to provide guidance for the development of the annual flu vaccine. The symptoms of influenza include fever, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose and headache. Flu can be particularly hard on the very young and the elderly, as well as those with chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes. Every single year, there are deaths from the flu in the U.S. — influenza can lead to serious respiratory complications like pneumonia in at-risk groups. It’s important to note that 20 percent of patients who carry the flu virus may actually be asymptomatic, so you can spread the virus without knowing it.
[See: Pharmacist Recommended Cough, Cold and Allergy Medicines.]
How Effective Is the Flu Shot, and How Does it Work?
The flu vaccine is the single most important way we can prevent widespread influenza infection. Everyone ages 6 months and older should have the vaccine annually. The CDC no longer recommends the nasal spray vaccine, as it appears to be far less effective than the injectable vaccine. Vaccines work by stimulating our immune system to make antibodies to fight the virus when exposed. In the case of the flu vaccine, live, attenuated virus (rendered non-virulent in the laboratory) is injected. Our immune system then recognizes the virus, and if exposed later after vaccination, has the ability to destroy the virus — and we never even know we were infected. Typically, it takes between 7 to 10 days to become protected from the flu virus once vaccinated. While not the case every year, this year’s flu vaccine is a very good match for the particular strains in circulation: nearly 60 percent effective. Having a well-matched vaccine means the number of cases are likely reduced by 50 percent.
If You’re Diagnosed With Flu, What Can You Do?
It’s important to seek medical attention quickly if you think you may have the flu. When diagnosed early, there are antiviral medications that your physician can prescribe that will shorten the duration of the illness and can reduce the severity of your symptoms. In addition, it’s important to have a flu test done (a simple nasal swab) that will confirm the diagnosis; this is helpful for public health reporting and allows your doctor to prescribe appropriate therapy right away. In addition, it is vital that when you have the flu, you stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the virus to others. Lots of rest and fluids can help you recover.
If you need symptomatic relief, try over-the-counter remedies such as Tylenol and ibuprofen for fever and body aches; decongestants and cough suppressants for congestion and cough; and lozenges for sore throat. It is essential that you check with your doctor before adding over-the-counter medications to your medical regimen in order to avoid side effects and drug interactions. Online tools and applications such as MyRxProfile can also help you avoid medication interactions.
[See: Old-School Cold Remedies That Really Work.]
How Can You Prevent Flu?
The most important step you can take to prevent flu is to get the annual vaccination. In addition, good hand hygiene is critical to avoiding the spread of the virus. Flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours and can survive on tissues for nearly 15 minutes. Wash hands frequently, and avoid touching surfaces in public places whenever possible. Avoid touching your hands to your nose and mouth in order to lower the risk of introducing the virus into your body.
Who Is Most Likely to Have a Complication From Flu?
Those who are at highest risk for complications include:
1. People over age 65 and children ages 6 months to 4 years
2. Nursing home residents
3. Adults with lung or heart disease
4. Pregnant women
5. People with compromised immune systems
Complications of flu are not inconsequential. In children, they include dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections. In adults (and in some children) the flu can result in worsening of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure and asthma. The elderly are also at particularly high risk for pneumonia as well as other complications such as heart attacks, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart).
[See: 8 Surprising Facts About Asthma and Seasonal Allergies.]
It’s Not Too Late!
Flu season can last until April, and it’s not too late to get the vaccine. Unfortunately, only 40 percent of Americans get flu shots. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot this year, talk to your doctor and get one today. By getting a flu shot, you not only protect yourself but also those around you — friends, family and children.
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It’s Flu Season in the U.S.: What to Know originally appeared on usnews.com
