HARVARD HEALTH LETTERS
It happens every year. The days grow shorter, the temperature drops, footballs fly --- and the flu strikes. Influenza is so common that it's easy to dismiss this seasonal affliction as "just a virus" or "just the flu." It's true that the flu is caused by a virus and that most patients recover without specific therapy. But it's also true that thousands of Americans die from the flu each year, and millions are sick enough to miss work or school. Influenza is a serious infection --- but it can be prevented and treated.
Meet the flu bug
A large group of viruses belongs to the influenza family. Nearly all human infections are caused by human strains of the influenza A or B virus.
Because different strains of the virus crop up every year, new outbreaks occur annually.
In the United States, the flu season runs roughly from Thanksgiving to Easter, with most cases occurring in the dead of winter. In a typical year, more than 200,000 people must be hospitalized, and about 36,000 Americans die from the infection.
Symptoms
After an incubation period of just one to two days, the symptoms start abruptly. Most patients are feverish, and high temperatures in the range of 103 degrees to 104 degrees are common. Nearly everyone has a runny nose and sore throat, but unlike ordinary colds, the flu also produces a hacking, dry cough. Muscle and joint aches can be severe. Headache, burning eyes, weakness, and extreme fatigue add to the misery.
Complications
The most serious --- and deadly --- complication is pneumonia. Young children, senior citizens and people with chronic illnesses are at greatest risk. Other flu complications can include asthma attacks, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, inflammation of the heart or other muscles, and inflammation of the nervous system.
Prevention: Hygiene
> Wash your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs and gels are best.
> Keep your distance. The flu is most contagious within 3 feet of a patient.
> Wear a mask if you're in a high-risk group and you can't avoid getting near possible flu victims.
> Protect others. Don't go to work or school
Prevention: Vaccination
New vaccines are produced for every flu season; each protects against the two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B that are most likely heading our way in the fall. In the United States, October and November are the ideal months to get the vaccine. Children ages 6 months to 8 years who have never been immunized need two doses, but one dose will suffice for all others.
Two types of flu vaccine are available. The nasal spray can be used only by healthy, non-pregnant individuals ages 2 to 49. The injectable vaccine can be given to nearly everyone, except people who are allergic to eggs or to the vaccine itself. Side effects are mild and uncommon. Immunization can reduce your risk of catching the flu by up to 80 percent.
Here is a list of high-priority vaccine candidates:
> All children ages 6 months to 4 years.
> All adults age 50 and older.
> Children and adolescents ages 6 months to 18 years who receive long-term aspirin therapy.
> Women who are likely to be pregnant during the flu season.
> People who have asthma, diabetes or chronic diseases of their lungs, heart, blood, kidneys or liver.
> People who have illnesses or take medications that impair the immune system.
> Residents of chronic-care facilities.
> Health care personnel and child care providers.
> Caregivers and household contacts of people with medical conditions that put them at risk.
Medications
Antibiotics don't work against viruses, including influenza. But while there are no medications for ordinary viruses, special prescription drugs can be used to treat or prevent the flu.
Zanamivir (Relenza) is administered by inhalation from a nebulizer. It is approved for people age 5 and older and for treatment in people age 7 and older. Side effects may include wheezing, nausea.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is available in tablet form. It is approved for prevention and treatment in patients 1 year or older. Side effects may include nausea.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) can help ease fever and aches
Aspirin is also effective, but should never be used by flu patients under 18.
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution