IT’S ABOUT
TIME FOR A FLU SHOT
With summer over and school back in session, an
inevitable flu season looms just ahead. Here are some answers to commonly asked
questions about the flu, to help keep your family healthy this fall and
winter.
First, what
is the flu and what are the symptoms?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The common symptoms associated with the flu
include:
·
Fever (though not everyone with the flu will
have a fever)
·
Chills
·
Cough
·
Sore throat
·
Sinus congestion
·
Headaches
·
Muscle aches
·
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms,
but these are more common in children than adults.
How does
the flu spread?
A highly contagious virus, most experts
believe that flu viruses spread when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.
Droplets containing the virus can land
on the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. It is also possible to get the flu by
touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your
mouth, eyes or nose. One of the most dangerous things about the flu is that you
can pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick.
How
serious is the flu?
While most people only experience a mild
illness and recover in less than two weeks, some people suffer significant
health complications, like pneumonia, bronchitis or sinus infections that can
become quite serious. People who are
most at risk for experiencing these complications include older people, young
children, and people with certain health conditions, like asthma, chronic lung
disease, neurological conditions, heart disease, and other disorders and
illnesses that can be worsened by the flu.
If I don’t
fall into one of these categories, does that mean I shouldn’t worry too much
about contracting the flu this upcoming season?
You may not fall into a high risk category
for contracting the flu, but everyone is susceptible to the influenza virus,
especially new strains. A new and very
different flu virus appeared during the 2009-2010 flu season, known as the 2009
H1N1 virus. Unlike the typical influenza
virus, this virus caused serious health problems in people younger than 65―people
who are normally at low risk. According
to the Centers for Disease Control, these 2009 H1N1 viruses will likely
resurface this year, along with new seasonal viruses.
How can I
protect myself from the 2009 H1N1 virus and the new seasonal flu viruses?
While you can do your best to rid your body
of germs and avoid contact with people who have the flu, the best defense
against the flu virus is to get a yearly vaccination. Flu vaccination typically begins in September
and continues throughout the flu season, which can last as late as May.
I haven’t
gotten a flu vaccination in the past and I’ve been fine. Do I really need to
get one?
Yes, everyone over six months old should get
a flu vaccination this year. Like all
vaccinations, influenza vaccines
receive extensive scientific testing to guarantee both their safety and
effectiveness. Vaccination hinders the viruses from spreading and
causing flu epidemics ― exactly what happened last year with the 2009
H1N1 virus.
Vaccination not only protects you, it also
protects the people around you, who may not be able to get a vaccination.
Who
should not get an influenza vaccination?
People who have a severe allergy to eggs;
have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past; children
younger than six months of age; and people who have developed Guillian-Barré
syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously,
should all consult with a physician beforehand.
Also, if you are sick and have a fever, you should wait to get
vaccinated until your symptoms subside.
An influenza vaccination is the best way to
protect yourself, your family, and the people that come in contact with you
this flu season. If you are unsure of
whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult with your physician.
Preventive medicine is just one aspect of care osteopathic physicians (DOs) provide. DOs are fully licensed to prescribe medicine and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. DOs are trained to consider the health of the whole person and use their hands to help diagnose and treat their patients.
*The
contributing physician to this article was Ronald V. Marino, DO, the associate
chairman of pediatrics at