by Kirby Lindsay, posted 16 January 2013
The flu season has arrived, early, and, according to Dr. Amy Deans, an Internal Medicine specialist at Swedish Ballard hospital, “it’s never too late to get a flu shot!” With a clinical interest in preventative medicine, she advised, “as long as the flu season continues,” anyone can get a vaccine for influenza – and the season can last into April!
Influenza can be dangerous. Complications can occur, particularly among those who have immunosuppressing conditions such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes – and those on medications that lower the natural immune system.
Also, influenza can lead to pneumonia, or suppress the immune system to allow bacterial pneumonia to piggy-back on the influenza.
Avoid Taking Forced Sick Leave
“The Center for Disease Control recommends the shot for essentially everyone,” Dr. Deans said. A report from the CDC, dated January 4, 2013, quoted Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of Epidemiology, “Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now.”
Many expect instantaneous protection with a flu shot, but Dr. Deans pointed out that it takes two weeks to become effective. Also, Dr. Bresee, from the CDC, was quoted, “While influenza vaccination offers the best protection we have against influenza, it’s still possible that some people may become ill despite being vaccinated.”
Dr. Deans has had patients come in with the flu this season, and “the people I have seen with it are really sick.” Those vaccinated recover more quickly, and feel less ill, than those that don’t. The flu will lay out an otherwise healthy adult for 5 – 7 days. That is a long absence, Dr. Deans observed, that can easily be prevented by vaccination.
What Is Influenza? What Is It Not?
“A big misconception,” Dr. Deans acknowledged, “is that a flu shot doesn’t protect from the common cold.” There is no relationship, she explained, between influenza and a cold. “It also doesn’t protect from the stomach flu,” she said.
“The flu is influenza,” Dr. Deans explained, “a very specific illness; a specific type of virus.” Influenza symptoms strike quickly – body aches, headache, neck pain, fever and cough. It can cause a respiratory infection.
What differentiates influenza from the common cold is the rapid onset of symptoms. A common cold, Dr. Deans observed, gradually increases.
Stomach flu is gastroenteritis, “a very separate type of virus,” Dr. Deans pointed out. Influenza can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but those are not its predominant symptoms, although they occur more commonly in children.
When Influenza Strikes
Those suffering with influenza need to see a doctor if experiencing significant shortness of breath, if they cannot keep down liquids (dehydration,) and/or they already have a suppressed immune system. Light-headedness can be a sign of dehydration – and needs attention – Dr. Deans advised.
For most cases, keep the fever down. “People feel worse when they have a fever,” Dr. Deans observed. And keep hydrated. “Dehydration can be a big danger,” she said.
Once you know you have the flu, of course, go home and stay there – and limit contact. “We all have a responsibility for disease control,” Dr. Deans said. For 5 – 7 days after the onset of symptoms, an influenza patient should avoid others when possible. Keep in mind, though, that someone with influenza is infectious for a day before symptoms appear. Ultimately, “exposure is almost unavoidable during the flu season,” Dr. Deans acknowledged, and “the best way to prevent it is to get vaccinated.”
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands, and avoid contact with anyone who is ill. It may sound like exceedingly simple advice – but it is still the absolute best way to protect yourself, Dr. Deans explained, after getting a flu shot.
The CDC track and analyze the strains of influenza virus circulating, working with researchers at universities and hospitals. According to the January 4th report, 91% of the influenza viruses analyzed at the CDC are like the viruses included in the 2012-13 influenza vaccine. The influenza being carried by co-workers, fellow students, and others around you can be tamed by the shot available at nearly every pharmacy and doctor’s office.
Dr. Deans, and Swedish Ballard Hospital, will treat those sick with influenza this season, but they don’t really want to. Instead, wash your hands, avoid those coughing in your vicinity (“it is spread by respiratory droplets,” Dr. Deans advised,) and get a flu shot.
Stay healthy, Fremont!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.