Health Care

We have certainly had our hands full over the past year and a half, dealing with the Corona-19 Virus pandemic. We have embarked on influenza Season also known as (flu). According to the CDC” the flu season occurs in the fall and winter months in the United States”. Anyone can catch influenza (flu), but there is certain age groups and vulnerable populations that are considered high risk for catching this virus. According to the World Health Organization” individuals - 65yrs or older, young children and pregnant women are at risk”. Individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, immunocompromised, heart disease, Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are considered high risk”. This information does not replace the advice from your Health Care Provider. Please consult your Health Care Provider, they will advise you on what is best based on your health history. What is the influenza? also known as the flu: This is a contagious viral infection; symptoms are like a cold but usually worst and last longer. There are up to four types of seasonal influenza. The most common types of influenza virus are type A and type B. Influenza B is most common and is spread from human to human. This contagious virus can spread to others up to about 6 feet away. This virus travels through the air in droplets. It can spread by coughs or sneezes, touching doorknobs or other unclean surfaces, kissing, or sharing drinks, by handshakes or hugs. This virus is most contagious in the first 3-4 days after the virus enters the body. Are you aware you can pass the flu virus on to someone else before you realize you have the flu?

*Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults. When fever is high, other symptoms usually are more severe. *Body aches and muscle pain (often severe), commonly in the back, arms, or legs. *Headache. *Pain when you move your eyes. *Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite. * nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in children * dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat. *. If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency such as persistent shortness of breath or chest pain that does not go away, you may need to call 911.

Flu Vaccines are made to protect against the influenza viruses. The flu can be treated with “antiviral drugs”. You must notify your Health Care Provider as soon as you develop flu symptoms. Treatment with use of antiviral drugs is time sensitive. According to the CDC”. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick”. Antiviral medications require a Physician prescription, this is not an over-the-counter medication. Antibiotics are not used to treat a viral illness and will not help cure a viral illness. Individuals need only 1 dose each flu season. There are standard inactivated flu vaccines that are approved for people as young as 6 months of age, as well as high does inactivated vaccine approved for people 65 years and older” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have allergies to egg product or have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine in the past, please discuss these issues with your care provider. Your Health Care Provider can select the best vaccine for your situation.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 2. Stay home when you are sick. 3. Cover your mouth and nose, use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 4. WASH your hands soap and water. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, wear a mask. 6. Practice other good health habits i.e. Maintain a proper diet, drink plenty of fluids, exercise, get plenty of rest, disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home and work, especially when someone is ill. Manage your stress. 7. Get vaccinated!

If you develop symptoms of the flu and are at risk for complications contact your care provider for medical advice.

In conclusion, this is just touching the surface of Influenza symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Most will recover from the flu; some may develop complications. The best way to reduce your risk and possible complications, get vaccinated! It is our responsibility to protect ourselves and others against the spread of disease. Let’s commit to maintaining healthy lifestyles, seeing our Health Care Providers regularly and staying up to date on all vaccines. Be good to yourself, you will be a blessing to others. God Bless you.

Reference: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/communicable-diseases/influenza/seasonalinfluenza