Important Flu Information
Jan 11, 2013
As you are aware, many surrounding communities are experiencing a flu outbreak at this time it is very important to practice good hand washing techniques. If you think you have the flu please do not go to work. Also please call the nurses at the clinic prior to coming to the clinic to discuss your symptoms. Upon entering the medical clinic you will be asked to put on a face mask and wash your hands. Treatment of the flu may include Tylenol for the fever and body aches. Fluids i.e. water, juice, Gatorade to prevent dehydration. Tamiflu may also used which is an antiviral medication. Rarely are antibiotics used to treat the flu.
What Everyone Should Know About Seasonal Flu and the Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Seasonal flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Every year in the U.S., on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu,
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu complications and;
- About 23,500 (and as high as about 48,000) people die from seasonal flu.
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a flu shot or flu spray vaccination every year. You can't get flu from getting a flu vaccine! The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It stimulates your body to produce antibodies. These antibodies provide protection against infection by flu viruses. The flu vaccine takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to provide protection against influenza virus infection. Until then, you are still at risk for getting the flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from seasonal flu. Those who live or work with people who are at high risk should get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
Persons Recommended for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination
- The flu vaccine is not approved for use in children younger than 6 months old but their risk of flu complications is higher than for any other child age group.
- The best way to protect children younger than 6 months is to make sure members of their household and their caregivers are vaccinated.
By Theresa Gardner, Outreach Supervisor, Saint Regis MohawK Tribe Health Services
Cold or Flu?
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Sometimes, usually mild | Usual; higher (100-102 F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Occasioanally | Common |
| General aches, pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | usual | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Mild to moderate, hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion, middle ear infection | Sinusitis, bronchitis, ear infection, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Wash hands often; avoid close contact with anyone who has flu symptoms; get the annual flu vaccine |
| Treatment | Decongestants; pain reliever/fever reducer medicines |
Decongestants, pain relievers, or fever reducers are available over the counter; over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to young children; prescription antiviral drugs for flu may be given in some cases; call your doctor for more information about treatment. |
When do I call the doctor with flu or cold symptoms?
If you already have flu or cold symptoms, it's important to call your doctor if you also have any of the following severe symptoms:
- Persistent fever: This can be a sign of another bacterial infection that should be treated.
- Painful swallowing: Although a sore throat from a cold or flu can cause mild discomfort, severe pain could mean strep throat, which requires treatment by a doctor.
- Persistent coughing: When a cough doesn't go away after two or three weeks, it could be bronchitis, which may need an antibiotic. Postnasal drip or sinusitis can also result in a persistent cough. In addition, asthma is another cause of persistent coughing.
- Persistent congestion and headaches: When colds and allergies cause congestion and blockage of sinus passages, they can lead to a sinus infection (sinusitis). If you have pain around the eyes and face with thick nasal discharge after a week, you may have a bacterial infection and possibly need an antibiotic. Most sinus infections, however, do not need an antibiotic.
In some cases, you may need to get emergency medical attention right away. In adults, signs of a crisis include:
- Severe chest pain
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Persistent vomiting
In children, additional signs of an emergency are:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lethargy and failure to interact normally
- Extreme irritability or distress
- Symptoms that were improving and then suddenly worsen
- Fever with a rash
Information from www.WebMD.com