Good News About The Flu!
By Michael P. Basista, M.D., Director, ImmediCenter Family Practice

As a practicing physician, and the Medical Director of ImmediCenter, I see many patients suffering with the flu (influenza) during the late fall and winter seasons each year. The following information should help you to deal intelligently with the flu.

There is also some good news to report. There are new, effective anti-viral medications that help with treatment and prevention of the flu (please see below).

Dangers
The flu is especially dangerous to:
1. Senior citizens
2. Children less than 2 years of age
3. Anyone with serious underlying medical condition

Defense
Our #1 defense against the flu is vaccination.

Who Should Be Vaccinated?
Although all persons over 6 months may receive a flu shot, the following people should particularly consider vaccination:
• Children aged 6 months–4 years
• All persons aged 50 years and older
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Children and adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Those who have diabetes, asthma, heart disease (excluding high blood pressure), kidney, liver, or blood disorders
• Those who have weakened immunity
• Adults and children who have a chronic breathing problem
• Nursing home residents

TIV or LAIV?
There are two types of vaccines available. The dead virus type is called TIV and can be used for any person aged 6 months and older. The live vaccine, LAIV, is for healthy, nonpregnant persons aged 2–49 years.

Either vaccine is good for only one season, so revaccination every year is advisable. Those allergic to eggs should avoid the vaccine. There are situations when the LAIV should not be given, so it is best to discuss that with your doctor.

Other Problems
The most common reaction to the TIV is some soreness at the site where the shot is given. Some people have complained to me they caught the flu from the shot. This is not possible, since the virus that was injected was dead.

It is still possible to catch a “cold” despite being protected by the flu vaccine because it offers no protection from colds, bronchitis and pneumonia.

However, since bronchitis and pneumonia are common consequences of the flu, many cases of these types of infections can be prevented by avoiding the flu.

So, flu vaccines area good idea for everyone.

Symptoms
Symptoms of flu are fever, body aches, headache, malaise, dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose. Additionally, children may experience nausea, vomiting and an ear ache. It can last 3-7 days.

Unfortunately, these symptoms often mimic other infectious diseases, so it is best to consult with your doctor before self-diagnosing.

The flu virus is spread by coughs and sneezes. The incubation period is 1-4 days. People are generally contagious a day before the symptoms appear, and remain contagious for 6 or more days.

Do Antibiotics Help the Flu?
Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics have no role in the treatment of this disease. Antibiotics are only effective in bacterial infections, so using an antibiotic for the flu is incorrect and can potentially cause side-effects. We are all aware of how antibiotic resistance is becoming widespread, so we should avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily.
Should a consequence of flu develop, such as pneumonia, then your physician may elect to prescribe an antibiotic.

Good News – New Effective Medications for the Flu
Two antiviral medications, Tamiflu and Relenza, can shorten the course of the flu if taken within two days of the onset of symptoms. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you.

Who Should Take Preventive Medication?
1. Those who cannot take the vaccine
2. Household members of an infected person
3. People who need immediate protection during the two weeks it takes for the vaccine to take effect
4. Persons with a weakened immune system
5. Nursing home residents
6. When the actual strain of flu that appears, is different than the current year’s vaccine, preventive medication should be taken.

Other Preventive Measures
Vaccination is not always enough to prevent the flu so additional measures should be taken:
Children should be instructed on how to properly cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
People who have the flu should be physically separated from other household members. The patient should stay home during the most contagious period of the disease to avoid infecting others.
If a flu sufferer must leave the house during this time period, they should, of course, cover all coughs and sneezes.
Visitors should avoid close contact with the patient. Anyone who has any contact with an infected person should thoroughly wash their hands with warm water and soap.
Dishes, utensils and laundry should be washed in warm soapy water. The household members might discuss with their physician receiving preventive medication.
Please keep in mind that the vaccine takes two weeks to reach its full effect, so medication would work faster to protect someone in an infected home. Household members should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms begin.

Public Awareness
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends greater use of flu vaccine during the months of November, December, and beyond. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

HOME
web design: hidden light media•718 909-1531