What To Do About the Flu

Today we want to focus on a disease that always spreads here and everywhere, Influenza.

What we call Influenza is a viral respiratory infection, it starts around this time of year and lasts till the spring, peaking between January and February. The symptoms are familiar, sudden onset of fever, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and fatigue. It hits fast and hard, making you feel really awful. It lasts 5-7 days and then resolves, sometimes with a lingering cough.

Tamiflu is sometimes recommended but some studies suggest it has limited effectiveness and is not appropriate for everyone with the illness. It must be started within 48 hours to be of any benefit. Antibiotics are not helpful in treating flu unless a complication ensues. Most people with healthy immune systems will get over the flu without trouble, however, it can progress and lead to severe symptoms and even death in rare cases. the majority occurring in those with some underlying compromise or chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Even previously healthy people can succumb to the flu but that is very unusual.

Severe cases are heralded by difficulty breathing, prolonged course, or generally worse than anticipated symptoms. watching for symptoms that worsen after improvement may also signal a complication that would require treatment.

We now know that the H2N3 strain is predominating and it has mutated from last season. That mutation fooled the CDC experts who formulated the vaccine so this year’s vaccine is only about 50% effective. That is still way better than nothing so we should not hold off on vaccination and not regret getting them. The CDC has no control over mutations so it’s not their fault either.

Making sure you keep children home until they do not have a fever for 24 hours, good hand washing, covering coughs, and not sharing items like eating utensils, cups, and toothbrushes can stop the spread to other individuals. Symptom relievers like Tylenol and Motrin or their generics can make you feel better till you get better. We generally stay away from all of the combination products out there as no research supports their effectiveness and they may actually cause more harm than good.

As always, please call if you have any concerns or would like your child to be evaluated. We are always available.

Wishing all of our families a happy, flu-free season!