Typically, the influenza or the flu season begins in the late fall with the onset of colder weather and extends through early spring. About 5 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu. Though the overall annual risk of serious complications is low, the elderly, those with chronic medical diseases, infants and pregnant women are at the greatest risk of complications. Each year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of complications from the flu, and deaths range from 3,300 to 49,000, depending on the severity of the virus.
The flu is much more than a cold; it is a severe respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications. If you can’t decide whether you have a cold or the flu, remember the acronym FACTS. If you develop Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness and a Sudden onset of symptoms, you may have the flu. Other symptoms may include stuffy nose, headache, sore throat or cough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a “Take 3” approach to fighting the flu. First, get vaccinated. Almost everyone 6 months of age and older should receive an annual flu vaccine, including pregnant women. The vaccine is safe, and there is more vaccine available this year than ever before. Get vaccinated now so you will be protected. It may take about two weeks for your vaccine to take full effect. Contrary to popular belief, the influenza vaccine does not cause the flu, though some people can have mild fever, fatigue and pain at the injection site.
Most vaccines are injected into the muscle, “intramuscular.” However, for those who don’t like shots, a new vaccine is now available for people ages 18 to 64, which is injected just under the skin, or “intradermal.” A live attenuated influenza vaccine also is available in a nasal spray and approved for people ages 2 to 49 without pulmonary problems, such as asthma or emphysema.
Second, practice everyday prevention. Washing your hands often and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of the virus. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. And if you do get the flu, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever resolves to avoid spreading the virus. The same 24-hour rule applies for schoolchildren.
Third, act early. Antiviral medications may reduce the severity and duration of the flu, and may prevent complications of the flu, if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. Usually however, your doctor will recommend more conservative measures such as rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Antibiotics do not treat the flu.
For young children, nasal sprays and decongestants are not recommended, as there is little evidence they are effective and they may cause side effects. Do not give aspirin or medications that contain aspirin to children younger than 18, as it can cause a life-threatening condition called Reyes syndrome. Infants may benefit from nasal suctioning with a bulb syringe.
Most people with the flu get better within one to two weeks. However, call your primary care provider if you have had symptoms lasting more than 10 days, fever above 103 degrees, fever lasting more than three days, sudden dizziness, trouble breathing, wheezing, confusion, chest pain, persistent vomiting or very swollen glands in the neck. If your child has the flu, seek medical attention if he is breathing fast, turning blue or purple, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up easily or if he has a rash.
If you do see your doctor for flu-like symptoms, tell the office staff right away why you are there. They may ask you to wear a mask or to wait in a separate waiting area.
So, prepare your family now for the flu season, and “Take 3,” because fall is here. If you need more information on the flu, visit www.familydoctor.org, www.flu.gov, www.CDC.gov or call your primary care provider.
KELLY KLEIN, M.D., is assistant professor in the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Medicine and a physician for Texas Tech Physicians — Family and Community Medicine.