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Medicine Talk Now that the flu season is upon us, here are a few tidbits everyone should know about this illness. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. The illness’s effects can range from mild to severe. Each year 5%-20% of the population gets the flu, 200,000 people are hospitalized, and 36,000 people die from the illness. People considered at high risk for developing complications from the flu are older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. Common symptoms of the flu include:
Complications of the flu can include bacterial infections, dehydration, sinus problems, ear infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. The flu spreads by respiratory droplets caused by coughing and/or sneezing. Person to person direct contact is the most common way the virus is spread although someone can become infected if they touch something with virus on it and then touch their mouth or nose. Adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. This means that you can give someone the flu even before you know your sick! The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall. During years when there is a shortage of vaccine, people at high risk for developing complications from the flu are given first priority to get flu shots. The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine (meaning it can not give you the flu). It takes about 2 weeks after getting the vaccine for your body to produce antibodies that will provide protection against the flu virus. The best time to get the flu shot is October and November for most people, although it can still be given in December and later if needed. Other ways to prevent the spread of the flu virus and others are: Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to avoid spreading your illness. Stay home when you are sick. Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick to prevent others from catching your illness. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent the respiratory droplets from infecting others. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your face. Germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes. Besides maintaining good hygiene practices to avoid illness this winter, it is always a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well. Make sure to eat healthy, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water to stay well this flu season. As always, we welcome any questions you may have concerning your health. Miigwech
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