October 14, 2010
Get ready for the flu season
Dr. Yunyu Cao, a UW Medicine physician who practices general adult medicine, offers some tips on protecting yourself and others from the flu, as well as on recognizing and managing flu symptoms:
A year ago, you could not miss “flu news.” Starting in the spring and peaking in the fall, the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus became the first pandemic, or global outbreak, in more than 40 years. Daily media stories highlighted its fast spread and a substantial number of hospitalizations and deaths.
In contrast to the H1N1 outbreak, our flu season typically begins in October or November when schools are back in session and the weather gets colder. It peaks in January and February, then ends during the spring. Even without a new pandemic, seasonal flu should not be taken lightly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the illness annually on average, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications.
What is the best way to prepare for this flu season? Focus on two simple actions to protect yourself from the virus: Get your flu vaccine and wash your hands.
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. It is especially important that people with risk factors for serious flu complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis get vaccinated. Those at risk include people age 65 and older; those with chronic medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, lung disease and heart disease; pregnant women; and young children. The vaccine is also essential for health-care workers and caregivers of high-risk individuals.
Because the flu vaccine is formulated annually to protect against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common, this year’s vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus and two other strains. It is expected to be in good supply and will be given as a flu shot or nasal spray depending on age and health criteria.
After the vaccine, your best line of defense is to wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Influenza viruses infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). They are contained in droplets from the nose and throat. The droplets are spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. You can also catch the disease by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.
While flu symptoms can mimic the common cold, they are usually more severe — a fever of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, severe body ache and muscle pain, dry cough and fatigue. Some people may also experience stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
When I see patients with these symptoms, a rapid influenza test using a nasopharyngeal or nasal swab can be given while they wait to confirm a flu diagnosis. We also discuss starting anti-viral medicines such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). When taken within 24 to 48 hours of getting sick, these drugs can alleviate flu symptoms and speed recovery. They are especially appropriate for people who are at risk for serious flu complications and for their caregivers.
For most healthy people, the flu usually goes away in five to seven days with home treatment only, although fatigue may last longer. Stay home from work or school until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours to avoid spreading the virus. If you must go out, wear a facemask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. People with lung disease or asthma should contact their health-care provider immediately regarding flu-related coughs to check for possible breathing complications.
As a final recommendation, these home remedies can provide symptom relief and help you get through your personal flu season as quickly as possible:
• Take Ibuprofen (brand names include Motrin and Advil) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aleve) for relief from fever and body aches. If these drugs cause stomach problems, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good alternative.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least 16 oz. four times daily) to prevent dehydration. Gatorade and other sports drinks help to support rehydration, replenish electrolytes and other nutrients such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, and prevent muscle cramping.
• Take 1,000 milligrams or more of vitamin C daily as a boost to the immune system.
• Use over-the-counter cough syrups and drops. If the cough persists, check with your health-care provider for stronger prescription medications.
Yunyu Cao, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine doctor at the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinic in Issaquah. For more information on the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics or to make a clinic appointment, call (800) 852-8546 or visit www.uwmedicine.org/uwpn.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors flu activity in the United States and worldwide. See their latest report, which notes that the current Northern Hemisphere winter flu vaccine seems well matched to summer viruses circulating in the Southern Hemisphere. The CDC also issues recommendations on prevention and control of influenza with vaccines.
