Q. As the flu season arrives, what measures can I take to protect my heath?
A. Of course, getting the flu vaccine should be at the top of your list, especially if you are in one of the "at-risk" populations. An "at-risk" person is a person who is more likely to develop complications from influenza. You can read through the list below to see if you fit into any of the descriptions.
• children, ages 6 months and older, and those who come in contact with children
• people, ages 50 years or older,
• residents of long-term care facilities
• people who have a weakened immune system
• people with long term health problems (i.e. asthma, heart disease, anemia)
• children, ages 6 months to 18 years, on long-term aspirin treatment
• women who will be past their third month of pregnancy during flu season
• people who live in dormitories or other crowded conditions
• staff members in a healthcare facility
• people who come in contact with any of those people listed above
• people who wish to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza
People who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to eggs, merthiolate, thimerosal, gentamycin, or past doses of the influenza vaccine or who have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) should not receive the flu vaccine. People who are experiencing an illness, are on antibiotics or are showing flu-like symptoms should check with their physician before getting the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine has a very low risk of causing serious health problems. Possible side effects such as soreness, fever, or aches might occur in some patients; however, the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction is extremely rare. The viruses in the vaccine have been killed, so vaccine recipients cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
Thimerosal Safety
Fluzone, which is given to children, does NOT contain thimerosal. The majority of adult influenza vaccines distributed in the United States currently contain trace amounts of thimerosal as a preservative. There is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in a vaccine except for swelling and redness in the injection site of sensitized individuals.
"No Shot" Vaccination
There is a nasal influenza vaccination for healthy, non-pregnant individuals, ages 2 to 49. It does not contain thimerosal. However, it is a live vaccine and not recommended for individuals with chronic medical problems or history of wheezing or those in contact with individuals who are immunocompromised. It can cause cold-like symptoms, and it's more expensive than the flu shot.
Cancer Reduction as a Long Term Benefit
Studies are showing lower incidence of leukemia, lymphoma and colon cancer in people who get the influenza vaccination on a fairy regular basis.
Cold vs. Flu Symptoms
Another important factor in combating illnesses during the flu season is proper diagnosis. While many people seek treatment for what they assume is the flu, they may actually be suffering from a cold. The following chart was assembled by the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases and help patients determine whether they are suffering from the flu or a cold.
Symptoms of a cold
Onset: gradual
Fever: rare
Headache: rare
General aches: slight
Fatigue/weakness: mild
Extreme exhaustion: never
Stuffy nose: common
Sneezing: usual
Sore throat: common
Chest discomfort/cough: mild/moderate, hacking
Symptoms of the flu
Onset: sudden
Fever: common, lasts 3-4 days
Headache: prominent
General Aches: usual, often severe
Fatigue/ Weakness: can last 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion early and prominent
Stuffy Nose: sometimes
Sneezing: sometimes
Sore Throat: sometimes
Chest Discomfort/Cough: common, can be severe
Flu Prevention
A common sense approach plays a big role in staying healthy during the flu season. Flu viruses are often spread by an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. People need to avoid physical contact with those who are sick and wash their hands regularly. Anyone who is coughing or sneezing should cover his or her nose and mouth with a tissue to limit spread of the virus.
Those who already are suffering from the flu should get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take pain relievers as needed. Those individuals who develop influenza and breathing difficulties should seek prompt medical attention.
- Amy Johnson, MD, is a pediatrician who provides health care for children from birth through young
adulthood.
A. Of course, getting the flu vaccine should be at the top of your list, especially if you are in one of the "at-risk" populations. An "at-risk" person is a person who is more likely to develop complications from influenza. You can read through the list below to see if you fit into any of the descriptions.
• children, ages 6 months and older, and those who come in contact with children
• people, ages 50 years or older,
• residents of long-term care facilities
• people who have a weakened immune system
• people with long term health problems (i.e. asthma, heart disease, anemia)
• children, ages 6 months to 18 years, on long-term aspirin treatment
• women who will be past their third month of pregnancy during flu season
• people who live in dormitories or other crowded conditions
• staff members in a healthcare facility
• people who come in contact with any of those people listed above
• people who wish to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza
People who have experienced a serious allergic reaction to eggs, merthiolate, thimerosal, gentamycin, or past doses of the influenza vaccine or who have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) should not receive the flu vaccine. People who are experiencing an illness, are on antibiotics or are showing flu-like symptoms should check with their physician before getting the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine has a very low risk of causing serious health problems. Possible side effects such as soreness, fever, or aches might occur in some patients; however, the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction is extremely rare. The viruses in the vaccine have been killed, so vaccine recipients cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
Thimerosal Safety
Fluzone, which is given to children, does NOT contain thimerosal. The majority of adult influenza vaccines distributed in the United States currently contain trace amounts of thimerosal as a preservative. There is no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in a vaccine except for swelling and redness in the injection site of sensitized individuals.
"No Shot" Vaccination
There is a nasal influenza vaccination for healthy, non-pregnant individuals, ages 2 to 49. It does not contain thimerosal. However, it is a live vaccine and not recommended for individuals with chronic medical problems or history of wheezing or those in contact with individuals who are immunocompromised. It can cause cold-like symptoms, and it's more expensive than the flu shot.
Cancer Reduction as a Long Term Benefit
Studies are showing lower incidence of leukemia, lymphoma and colon cancer in people who get the influenza vaccination on a fairy regular basis.
Cold vs. Flu Symptoms
Another important factor in combating illnesses during the flu season is proper diagnosis. While many people seek treatment for what they assume is the flu, they may actually be suffering from a cold. The following chart was assembled by the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases and help patients determine whether they are suffering from the flu or a cold.
Symptoms of a cold
Onset: gradual
Fever: rare
Headache: rare
General aches: slight
Fatigue/weakness: mild
Extreme exhaustion: never
Stuffy nose: common
Sneezing: usual
Sore throat: common
Chest discomfort/cough: mild/moderate, hacking
Symptoms of the flu
Onset: sudden
Fever: common, lasts 3-4 days
Headache: prominent
General Aches: usual, often severe
Fatigue/ Weakness: can last 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion early and prominent
Stuffy Nose: sometimes
Sneezing: sometimes
Sore Throat: sometimes
Chest Discomfort/Cough: common, can be severe
Flu Prevention
A common sense approach plays a big role in staying healthy during the flu season. Flu viruses are often spread by an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. People need to avoid physical contact with those who are sick and wash their hands regularly. Anyone who is coughing or sneezing should cover his or her nose and mouth with a tissue to limit spread of the virus.
Those who already are suffering from the flu should get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take pain relievers as needed. Those individuals who develop influenza and breathing difficulties should seek prompt medical attention.
- Amy Johnson, MD, is a pediatrician who provides health care for children from birth through young
adulthood.
