Influenza

Flu season is in full force and often creates a flood of questions.   Let’s demystify the flu and answer the most frequently asked questions.  When we do this, you also will understand why getting a flu shot can be life-saving. 

What is the flu?  Influenza (the flu) is a virus, which is most active between October and May each year.  A unique quality about a virus is that it constantly adapts as it infects people by rearrangement of the virus’ genetic material.  That’s why the flu is tricky, as it changes from year to year.  H3N3 is the predominant type of influenza virus that has been identified this year.

Why must one be vaccinated annually?  Since all viruses change when they infect humans or animals (the genetic code transforms the virus so that it can more readily infect the cell).  Consequently, from year to year as the influenza virus changes, a vaccine must be developed to reflect the virus mutation.  The flu shot causes the body to produce antibodies to fight a specific flu strain, which is what we want.  Since antibodies decrease over time, and the virus changes, it necessitates a flu shot on an annual basis.  This year the flu shot protects against three specific influenza types H1N1, H3N3, and B.

Should I get vaccinated now?  If you have not been vaccinated, it’s not too late!   Get a flu shot since the flu can attack as late as May.  It takes about two weeks for the body to be protected against the flu – which explains why one can get the flu even if recently vaccinated.

Who should get the flu shot?  Anyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated as well as pregnant women, care-givers, and the elderly (over 65 years).  This is especially true for people who have chronic illnesses – asthma, emphysema, and diabetes.   The elderly, children, and chronically ill are at greater risk for complications for the flu resulting in hospitalization and death. According to the CDC, over 3,700 people have been hospitalized and 20 children have died due to the flu so far this season   People who have egg allergies, prior severe reaction to flu vaccine, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) should talk to their doctor to determine if you should receive a flu shot.  

What medicines work against the flu?  Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), anti-viral medications, are effective against the flu.  However, they only work within the first 24-48 hours of flu symptoms.  Most healthy people will recover from the flu without medical intervention.  But members of at-risk populations, including, but not limited to lung disease and diabetes, may benefit from medications.  See your doctor early if you suspect you have the flu and they can determine if you need a medication. 

What to do if you have the flu?  Stay home from work or school to recover so you won’t infect others.  Rest, drink liquids, wash hands, and use over the counter remedies for symptom management.  Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for guidance.  If you have confusion, difficulty breathing, or are unable to keep liquids down, see your doctor.  In children, watch out for bluish color, crying without tears, lethargy (no energy), fast breathing, rash, and irritability. If you see this, do not delay: seek medical attention! 

If you are in one of the high-risk groups, talk to your doctor about your risk for flu.  If you have not had a flu shot, get one ASAP!  Be well.

Let's Start 2013 Right!

Happy 2013!  The start of a New Year is the perfect time to take stock of what you can do to make 2013 a healthy year for you and your family.  Here are 10 tips that will help you get underway. 

1.     If you only do one thing in 2013, stop smoking!  Tobacco cessation adds years to your life by reducing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.  Consider trying hypnosis, acupuncture, and medications to help you break the habit.   Contact your local health department to find smoking cessation assistance in your area.  Don’t delay, start today. 

2.     Check your medicine cabinet.  Throw away all expired medications.  Crush medications and put in sandwich bag with kitty litter or coffee grounds and dispose in the trash.  Ladies, old and unused cosmetics should be treated with care, too.  This includes mascara that is 6 months old; as it may be harboring bacteria you don’t want in your eye.  Each time we open mascara to the air we introduce bacteria to the tube.  Check your skin creams for any discoloration as they will start to oxidize, as indicated by color change, and lose potency when they are repeatedly exposed to air.

3.     The pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy were shocking and were a reminder of the need for a home disaster kit.  Put together one for each member of the household. A backpack with water, protein bars, batteries, radio, solar cell phone recharger, water purification tablets, cash, medications (a week’s supply), nuts, and chocolate bar should get you through the initial days after a disaster.

4.     Make doctors’ appointments for the year.  This includes: pap smears, children’s physicals, teeth cleanings, eye exams, and mammograms.  

5.     Check your running shoes. How old are they? Are they in good condition? Buy new ones if yours are “going flat”.  Remember, if you are starting a new exercise routine make sure your feet are properly outfitted to prevent injury and provide maximize comfort.

6.     Think about changing your mattress and pillows.   Dust mites and dander live in our pillows and mattresses, so clean, replace, and/or cover them.  A new pillow/mattress can cut down on allergens and reduce coughing and sneezing.   (An old pillow can be recycled at local animal shelter to provide comfort for our four legged friends.)

7.     Buy a pedometer.  Walking 10,000 steps everyday puts you on the path to good health.  Exercise improves sleep, sugar control, and slims -down waistlines effortlessly.

8.     Check batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors throughout your home. 

9.     Improve indoor air quality by changing AC/heater filter.  Disposable or reusable filters increase the life of your AC/heater and remove allergens from the air.  We spend more time indoors in the winter, so let’s breathe easy.

10. If you don’t make your final wishes known, then someone else will.  Create a durable power of attorney for healthcare so that your wishes will be honored if you are incapacitated.

Start out the New Year with theses healthy habits and be well.