Flu
As the start
of the flu season approaches, it's important to review some information
on the flu, how to prevent it and what you can do to feel better faster.
Many people think of the flu as just a bad cold. This is a dangerous myth
as the flu can be very severe and have unpleasant and even life threatening
complications. Compared with a cold, the flu has a much more abrupt onset
of symptoms including fever (possibly high), headache, and bad body aches
and pains. Each year millions lose time from school and work from the
flu and many are hospitalized with complications such as dehydration and
pneumonia. Unfortunately the flu and complications from it remain the
6th leading cause of death in the U.S., despite the availability of an
effective immunization.
The flu vaccine is available at Telluride Medical Center and Dr. Homers
office. Cost is between $10-15 dollars. An appointment is appreciated
but walk-ins are welcome.
The vaccination is available to anyone who wants to decrease the likelihood
of contracting influenza and can be given to children as young as six
months. Specific recommendations from the CDC are presented below. Keep
in mind it takes between 10-14 days after vaccination to become fully
protected. Side effects the vaccination are minimal and may include soreness
at the site of injection and occasionally a low fever or achiness for
one to two days. The vaccination is made of killed viruses so cannot cause
an infection. Because the viruses causing the flu changes yearly it's
important to get an annual vaccination. The vaccination is typically 70-90%
effective in preventing the flu. If you do get the flu, keep in mind this
was not caused by the vaccination, your symptoms should be mild and the
risk of complications reduced.
Other specific steps for avoiding the flu include getting plenty of rest,
as chronic sleep deprivation can lower your immune response. Decreasing
alcohol consumption as heavy drinkers have been found to suffer from more
colds and flu than others do. Don't smoke as smoking paralyzes the cilia,
the hair like cells lining the nose and airways that sweep incoming viruses
away before they can infect. Most importantly, follow good hygiene- use
tissue not cloth handkerchiefs to reduce spread of infection, keep your
hands away form your face to decrease the chance of delivering viruses
to your eyes or nose. Hand washing can provide another level of protection
as respiratory diseases are frequently transmitted when people touch an
object contaminated with cold and flu viruses and then touch their mouths
or eyes with their hands.
If you feel the onset of flu symptoms there are some things you can do
to reduce the duration of illness. Two antiviral agents introduced last
year (Relenza and Tamiflu) have been shown to reduce the replication of
Influenza A and B. If started within 2 days of onset of flu symptoms these
medications can reduce the severity of symptoms as well as the duration
of illness in some patients by as much as 2 days. The medications can
be costly, so check with your insurance prescription coverage.
Two alternative therapies may also be helpful in decreasing the length
of illness. Oscillococcinum is the number one over-the -counter flu medication
in France, where it has been used for over 60 years. This medication is
a dilute extract of duck liver and heart and is has been shown to indirectly
stimulate the body's immune system. A second alternative is Sambucal,
an herbal elderberry extract with high concentrations of three flavonoids-
naturally occurring plant substances shown to possess antiviral properties.
Both of these should work quick, providing improvement of symptoms within
48 hours. Both products are available at Magic Market and need to be started
within 48 hours of flu symptoms.
It should be apparent that the most efficient and cost-effective means
for preventing the flu is a yearly vaccination. If you choose not to get
the vaccination remember that you may be a candidate for Tamiflu or Relenza
if you notify your health care provide within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.
More information can be obtained from:
CDC immunization hot line 1-800-232-2522 or web site www.cdc.gov/ American
Association of Family Physcicians www.familydoctor.org WEBMD Health www.webmd.com
