Flu Season!

By: Michael S. Huber, MD Family Physician

Community Medical Center, Lucedale Mississipp

Influenza (flu) is a viral respiratory illness that can present suddenly causing many symptoms including fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, fatigue and headache. Symptoms of the flu usually last four to five days after which you may have a dry cough, runny nose or scratchy throat for another week or so. The incubation period (the time from exposure to the flu virus until you develop symptoms of influenza) is usually from one to four days. Influenza is a distinct viral illness with very specific symptoms and it occurs at a particular time every year which is late fall and winter.

Influenza viruses A and B cause classic flu symptoms. These viruses are constantly changing producing different strains which may differ from year to year. This is why a new flu vaccine is necessary every year. You can help prevent the flu by being immunized with the influenza vaccine each year, ideally in October or November. The flu vaccine "flu shot" can be given to almost anyone after age 6 months who wishes to help prevent the flu. However during recent years with shortage of flu vaccine supplies, high risk individuals such as the elderly and individuals with asthma or chronic heart or lung disorders have taken priority. The flu vaccine typically takes two weeks to become effective and the immunity will usually last for three to four months. it is not usually beneficial to receive flu vaccination in January or beyond as immunity will not have time to develop before the peak of the flu season.

During the peak of flu season, health care professionals can usually diagnose influenza using symptoms alone especially if many cases of similar illness have occurred in the community. Rapid tests are available in most physicians' office to identify the flu virus from nasal or throat swab. This test usually takes 15 minutes or less. It can be done in the physician's office to confirm the diagnosis of influenza. Antiviral medications are available to reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms. These medicines need to be started within two days of your symptoms of flu illness to be effective. Therefore it is important for any individual with flu like symptoms to contact their health care provider to see if the antiviral medication may be necessary to treat their illness. These same antiviral medications are also useful to prevent spread of influenza within households and for close contacts of individuals that are diagnosed with influenza. Antibiotics do not work against viruses and are of no benefit in treating influenza. Additional supportive treatments for influenza include; avoid smoking and second hand smoke, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol. Over-the-counter analgesics may help to relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Examples include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and Naproxen.

Most people recover from the flu without problems. However sometimes flu like illness can lead into bacterial infection such as ear infection, sinus infection, bronchitis or pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment of influenza may help to prevent these infections and complications.

If you think that you could have symptoms of the flu, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier the diagnosis is made the sooner treatment can begin and the sooner you can begin feeling better.

**originally published in the Feb 2006 issue of HomeTown Traditions Magazine