The holidays are upon us…so is flu season.

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Let's clarify the definition of "flu."

According to the CDC, seasonal influenza (“the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus or viruses that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, depending on age, resiliency, and immune system deficiencies. They estimate that 3–11 percent of the general populace is infected with the flu on a yearly basis. Children under 17 years of age are most likely to become infected, with 9.3 percent of this age group infected annually. Surprisingly, the lowest percent of influenza occurs in those 65 years and older, at 3.98 percent. The CDC measures the very wide adult range, from 18–64 years of age, as contracting the flu at 8.8 percent.

What are the most common flu symptoms?

The most common symptoms of the flu are a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or body aches, fatigue, fever, and chills. Some children may have vomiting and diarrhea, which is not typical and not often seen in adult cases. Flu differs from the "common cold" virus in that flu symptoms come on suddenly, as opposed to the common cold, which generally begins slowly with symptoms worsening over time. The onset of symptoms from exposure ranges from 1–4 days, mostly starting on day two.

Diagnosis and treatment of the flu.

It is challenging to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial symptoms. There are diagnostic tests that can detect influenza viruses by measuring the antigens (parts of the virus that result in an immune response), or tests that detect the genetic material of the virus. As there is no “cure” for the virus, there may not be a need to be tested. Your treating health care professional will determine if testing is right for you. There are antiviral medications that can be used to decrease symptoms, but there is not a medication or antibiotic that will kill the virus. 

How is the flu spread?

The mechanism is through a process called droplet contamination. With every breath, cough, or sneeze, we emit countless tiny droplets of moisture, which can contain the virus. The virus is transmitted by breathing in air containing the invisible droplets or by touching objects like telephones, knobs, water faucet handles, or shaking hands.

How long are you contagious with the flu?

This varies greatly and depends on many factors, including overall health status and level of personal stressors. Most flu sufferers are most contagious in the first 3–4 days after their illness begins, although the full range of contagion can include one day before symptoms develop and up to 5–7 days after becoming sick.

Can the flu cause complications?

The flu can cause complications, such as bacterial types of pneumonia, and ear or sinus infections requiring antibiotic treatment. Those afflicted with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, COPD, congestive heart failure, diabetes, any cancerous condition of the lung or airway, generalized fragile health, pregnant women, or small children, may be at higher risk for developing complications of the flu.

Prevention of the flu.

The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine as the first and most important step in reducing your risk of contracting the virus. Limit, or eliminate as much as possible, contact with those known to have the flu or whose symptoms are suspect for the virus. Frequent and thorough handwashing with warm water and soap far outweighs the use of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer contains alcohol as a base, which dries and can create small cracks in the skin, opening up pathways for the virus. Conscientious cleaning of often contaminated surfaces, as mentioned above, is highly recommended. 

What's your best bet?

Getting the flu shot and taking excellent care of your overall health are your best weapons and defenses against the flu. Generous amounts of sleep, quality nutrition, hydration, frequent hand washing, limited exposure to those with cold or flu symptoms, and excellent respiratory care are all your best tools. If you have a chronic medical condition or are vulnerable to catching what's "going around," speak to your physician about getting your flu shot now if you haven't already. Shoo, Shoo, you bad old flu!

 

Joanne MacInnis, RN, is the founder and president of Aberdeen Home Care, Inc., of Danvers, a concierge private duty home care agency in business since 2001.

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