By Dyanne P. Westerberg, DO, FAAFP
In late December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the beginning of flu season, and in recent weeks the flu has become widespread in New Jersey and the surrounding area. This year’s flu strain has been identified as the influenza A (H3N2) viruses. According to the CDC, seasons with H3N2 viruses are known to be more severe. The CDC also reported that about two-thirds of the H3N2 viruses that have been analyzed are different strains than what was included in this year’s vaccine. This is because as the virus replicates it can mutate or change its genetic makeup. The patient’s immune system, which was preparing to fight the flu, does not recognize the virus because of the change. Even though this change has occurred the vaccine may help reduce flu symptoms. Those who have not received the vaccine yet are still encouraged to get it.
Over the past few weeks, physician offices, urgent care clinics and emergency departments have seen an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms looking for diagnosis and relief. The symptoms often start abruptly and can include some combination of the following: high temperature, head and body aches, headache, general weakness, watery eyes, dry cough, sore throat and runny nose and sometimes diarrhea and stomach upset or vomiting.
If you have these symptoms it is recommended you seek treatment. In the United States there are four anti-viral agents that can be used for patients and they are most effective if started within 48 hours of the start of the flu symptoms. By alerting your physician to the symptoms you are having, he or she may prescribe one of the anti-viral agents to you or recommend an over-the-counter medication that may alleviate some of the severity of your symptoms. As always, bed rest and fluids will also help. Antibiotics are not given when a patient has the flu unless there is a complication due to a bacterial infection. Some complications of the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis and dehydration. There are several groups of people who are more likely to develop these complications. They include:
- Newborns and children younger than 5.
- People over 65.
- Pregnant women.
- Patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
- People with a depressed immune system such as cancer patients.
- Patients in long-term care facilities.
There are numerous preventive measures you can take to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and/or spreading it. In addition to receiving the vaccine, hand-washing is paramount and your first line of defense. The CDC explains that by washing your hands with disinfecting soap you can kill up to 99 percent of germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Next, try to avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms. Likewise, if you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Finally, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as door knobs, railings and light switches. Most grocery stores have disinfectant wipes available to wipe down cart handles.
Flu season is inevitable, however, you can protect yourself and those around you by taking these preventive measures. If you do feel you are symptomatic, you should not hesitate to seek a physician’s opinion. If you have been in close contact with someone who has flu-like symptoms, the FDA does suggest taking Tamiflu, which has been used for the prevention of the flu in people 1 year of age and older, but not as a substitute for getting the vaccine. Importantly, it is always best to consult with your physician before taking any medication to treat or prevent the flu.
Dyanne P. Westerberg, DO, FAAFP, Chief of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at
Cooper University Health Care.