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December Health Tip by Dr. LLorens
Flu Season
We are currently in the midst of flu season. Flu season typically runs from October to May. Anywhere from 5-20% of the US population will suffer from the flu in any given year.
The influenza virus is spread by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. It can occasionally be spread by touching something with the virus on it.
Symptoms of flu include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
If you have the flu you are contagious 1 day before your symptoms develop and up to 5 days after.
You can prevent the flu by taking the flu vaccine and developing good health habits. The flu vaccine is available in two forms.
An injection contains the killed flu virus. This is available for any person > 6 months of age.
A nasal spray contains a live, weakened form of the flu virus. It is available for healthy people 5-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
It takes up to two weeks for antibodies to develop against the flu virus after the vaccination is received. The flu vaccine does not protect against other viruses.
You should not take the flu vaccine if you have a severe egg allergy, had a severe reaction to the flu virus in the past, experienced Guillain Barre Syndrome after a flu shot, are < 6 months of age or have an illness with a fever.
Good health habits include staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands frequently.
Many people think that antibiotics will be helpful when they have flu symptoms. Occasionally flu may progress to pneumonia, sinus or ear infections. In this instance, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Generally, the best treatment for flu is to stay home, rest, drink fluids. Fever can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A cough usually responds to a cough syrup with dextromethorphan. Symptoms can last for 7-10 days.
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the flu. Stay healthy and have a Happy Holiday.
Questions? Please call your health care team at Fairview Clinic!
For more information:
MU Health Sciences Library
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