Fighting the Flu

DECEMBER 2018 |

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Fighting the Flu Peak flu season is approaching, and by taking a few steps both big and small, you can prevent yourself from severe suffering this winter

DISCOVER the small things you can do to fight the flu, starting with your own home LEARN why new technology will let you know when you’re most at risk of getting sick

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in this issue

Protecting yourself from the flu starts at home. Focus on these germ hot spots.

The next major flu outbreak could be coming with these digital warning signs.

A lack of access to medicine makes the flu a whole lot deadlier in some places.

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Debunking Major Flu Shot Myths Avoiding the needle is an exercise in selfishness, no matter how you explain it.

You may have heard from friends or family the various excuses as to why they haven’t gotten their flu shots.

“The flu shot’s overrated,” or “It’s too late in the season to bother getting a flu shot. I’ll do it next year,” or “I’m a healthy adult, so I don’t really need a flu shot, right?”

I hear comments like these in my practice all the time.

Though many of these beliefs are widely held, they couldn’t be more wrong.

With 80,000 flu-related deaths in the United States last season, influenza is nothing

to ignore. Falling vaccination r a te s m a d e l a s t w i n te r t h e deadliest flu season in over four decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The responsible thing Though you may think you’re healthy enough to take a pass on getting pricked this year, you may be carrying the disease, and, therefore, can spread it to vulnerable populations including children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems.

As a pediatric allergist and immunologist, I often work with patients who are the most at risk come flu season: kids with asthma. One sneeze by an

otherwise healthy adult fighting the flu can quickly turn into a life-or-death infection for a child with asthma who comes into contact with the germs.

Simply put, skipping the flu shot literally puts the lives of others at risk.

Dr. Juanita Mora, Volunteer and Clinical Partner, American Lung Association

Never too late There’s another common myth that needs to be addressed. No, it’s not too late in the season to get your flu shot. As long as doctors and pharmacies are still offering them, it’s not too late to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

Though what we call “flu season” tends to refer to the winter months, the CDC confirms that flu activity continues through-

out the year, peaking as late as May in the United States.

The nose may not know One quick warning about nasal sprays is that new research has shown the spray does not offer as much protection against the flu as the traditional vaccine shot.

That said, getting the nasal spray is still better than no protection at all — so if you absolutely can’t do the traditional shot, experts still recommend nasal vaccination over nothing at all.

Spread the word Want to be a real champion?

Don’t stop with getting vaccinated — spread the word about their importance. n

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The First Line of Defense Against the Flu Flu season is upon us, but these tips will help you stay healthy and stop germs in their tracks.

Bacteria isn’t selective about where it settles, but some areas in our homes are more at risk due to daily activities. Targeting these spots can significantly reduce the chances of coming down with the flu.

“People with the flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away,” explains Dr. Charles P. Gerba, a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona and co-author of “The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu.” But even if we try to avoid people who have the flu, we’re still at risk from dangers in our own home.

According to Dr. Gerba, the kitchen is the worst culprit in the home and office, and is often loaded with bacteria.

“Kitchen sponges and dishtowels are notorious for spreading germs around kitchen surfaces,” he says. “A typical kitchen sponge can hold up to 5 trillion microscopic bugs.”

While cleaning these items is vital, it’s not typically at the top of our lists.

“A recent survey found that baby boomers are more likely to clean their toilets once a week than their kitchen sponges,” he remarks.

But cleaning is not always foolproof either, and a simple tumble in the wash doesn’t necessarily kill all bacteria.

A good first line of defense Since there isn’t a perfect method of sanitizing regularly-used kitchen sponges and dishcloths, paper towels are a more sanitary option — especially in the height of flu season. Gerba likens flu prevention to that of salmonella and other foodborne diseases that can be found in raw meat, poultry and eggs. While it may be easy to reach for a sponge or dishcloth to clean up those messes, they may do more harm than good because of the risks of cross-contamination to other surfaces that would be wiped down.

“Cleaning more regularly during flu season will help manage the increase of germs,” advises Gerba. Around the holidays,

the kitchen is oftentimes the room that sees the most foot traffic, so “be sure to constantly wipe down kitchen surfaces with paper towels and a cleaning solution.”

Staying sanitary isn’t limited to the home, however, and Gerba notes that the fight against the flu can’t be limited to the house.

Gerba recommends staying home when feeling sick to avoid spreading the virus and washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, drying them with paper towels and using hand sanitizer when traditional washing methods are unavailable. After all, other people may have the flu also — and may not have taken the same advice on staying clean. n Zoe Alexander

How to Stop Cold and Flu Season from Increasing Absenteeism at School and at Work

Every day, approximately 55 million students and 7 million teachers and staff go to one of the 130,000 public or private schools in the United States. Keeping them in class and healthy is a priority, especially during flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says getting the flu vaccine and having good habits, including cleaning, can help protect one-fifth of kids and staff.

Reducing contamination risks Keeping schools and workplaces sanitary — and reducing student and staff absenteeism, particularly during cold and flu season — are ongoing challenges.

“An MIT study found one cough or sneeze can contaminate an entire room within minutes,” says Richard “Bo” Bodo, director of training at Kärcher North America, provider of efficient, resource-conserving cleaning systems.

The CDC advises regularly cleaning surfaces and items that are frequently touched.

Cleaning experts agree.

“From our professional experience, we place strong emphasis on focusing on the sources with greatest contamination risk.

This includes door handles, drinking fountains, locker rooms, restrooms, and lunch and break-room surfaces,” says Javier Gonzalez, CEO of Kärcher Region North America.

Kärcher offers a PS 4/7 Bp, hospital-grade misting system that’s specifically designed

for use with vital oxide disinfectant that is EPA-approved.

“Misting provides higher efficacy by improving coverage more efficiently than spray-wipe methods and wipes,” says Bodo, noting in less than a minute, the product kills 99.9 percent of bacteria including influenza, norovirus, staph, strep throat and tuberculosis. “It delivers disinfectant into hard-to-reach corners and crevices found in facilities.”

Don’t wait for the season Schools and employers should consistently focus their cleaning programs on keeping the people that work for them and study in their schools healthy.

“Facilities can never begin too early to prepare for flu season,” says Gonzalez.

“Maintaining year-round proper cleaning measures can reduce and minimize the risk of flu occurrences in your facilities.” n Kristen Castillo

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Fighting the Flu Goes Digital By tracking illnesses through an anonymous app, people are getting a head start on staying healthy.

New technology that tracks fevers, fatigue and other symptoms of the flu can help predict when the illness is in your area — and potentially help you avoid getting sick.

With real-time flu data, you would know when to be extra vigilant about healthy habits, such as washing your hands, and when it would be best to stay home from school or work to prevent getting the flu from others.

“If you know what’s going around, then you can respond, and that helps everyone around you,” says Inder Singh, founder and CEO of Kinsa Health, which makes smartphone-connected thermometers. “Together we can be healthier if we just have that early detection.”

The deadliness of the flu

Marked by fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, the flu is a contagious upper respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

The 2017-2018 flu season was one of the worst in over a decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were 79,000 flu-associated deaths. More than 170,000 adults were hospitalized last year — a record high — and 185 children died from the illness.

This year’s flu season is underway, and it’s already deadly.

An unvaccinated child died from the illness in October.

People with the flu are most contagious during the first 3-4 days of their illness. Antiviral medicines to treat the flu are most effective when taken in the first 48 hours.

Vaccines are the best protection from getting the flu but good habits, such as washing hands and staying away from sick people, can help fight off the germs, too. The CDC advises people who get the flu to stay home from work or school.

Staying prepared by keeping an eye open Aggregated, anonymous health data collected by smart thermometers can help map illnesses as they happen, and predict where the illness will spread.

Consumers log their temperatures and other symptoms on the thermometers, which connect to apps on their phone or on the internet. The company anonymizes the data and uses it to help track illnesses, including the flu, in real time.

That data can show where sick people are reporting illnesses. This can serve as a warning to healthy people to stock up on supplies such as tissues and hand sanitizer in order to prevent getting sick, or spreading germs to others.

Companies use the data on who is getting sick to encourage employees to get vaccinated and, in some cases, offer remote working options when illness is high, reducing flu-related absenteeism and the spread of illness.  Kristen Castillo

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The 4 Steps to Quick Flu Recovery Think you’re about to battle the flu? Now’s the time to stock up on ammunition.

The flu shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to take the time to rest, get better and prevent the spread of germs.

Here are some tips for a quick, comfortable and safe recovery.

1. Have your toolkit Keep tissues on hand to clean u p a n d c ove r yo u r c o u g h s and sneezes. A heap of cozy

blankets, hot packs or a hot water bottle can help keep you warm. Make sure you have a thermometer and check your temperature regularly, and keep contact information for your doctor handy.

2. Hit the pharmacy Stock up on non-prescription medicines including pain relievers, decongestants, fever reducers, cough drops and anti-diarrheal medications.

Vitamins and supplements can also help. Vitamin D can

protect against the flu and may help speed up recovery time if you get sick. Omega-3 supplements, as well as foods with omega-3, may protect the lungs. Ginseng supplements may boost immunity, helping the body heal faster. Cough drops are great for relieving a nagging cough or a sore throat.

3. Stock your pantry The probiotics in yogurt may help settle an upset stomach.

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and magnesium — both of

which help you fight fatigue and get strong. Papayas, which have vitamins C and E, may reduce inflammation. Make sure to stay hydrated with water and hot teas. Chicken soup tastes good — and is good for you — but avoid salty soups, which can dehydrate you.

4. Sanitize for safety Wh i l e w a s h i n g w i t h s o a p and water is best, health experts say you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if need be. Look for hand sanitiz-

ers with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol; they are the most effective against germs. Stock up on household cleaners and paper towels so you can clean surfaces around your home, including counters, door handles and other areas that can get contaminated with germs. Facemasks can also be a good idea to contain germs, especially if you or someone in your family is at high risk of flu complications.  Kristen Castillo

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