Flu season could hit Panhandle area soon

Dr. John Howard, Clarendon Family Medical Center

The flu season is upon us, and we can expect cases to start appearing in the Panhandle shortly.  I hope everyone has had an opportunity to get a flu shot.  If you haven’t, it is still not too late.                         

The Texas Department of Health recommends the vaccine for persons in whom influenza can be particularly devastating, specifically: persons age 65 and older, those of any age with chronic medical conditions including heart, lung, and metabolic problems (like diabetes), children on long term aspirin therapy, and women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.  Contrary to popular belief, the flu shot does not make you sick (the virus in the vaccine has been inactivated). Some people will get a local reaction at the site of injection, some will even get fever or muscle aches, but you will not get the flu. You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs.

Influenza is caused by a virus.  The virus changes every year causing epidemics.  About 20,000 die each year in the U.S. due to flu.  In some years many more will succumb because of major changes in the virus.  In 1918 the “Spanish Flu” killed 500,000 in the U.S. and 20 million worldwide.  Last year was about average, but you may recall reports of the hospitals in Amarillo being full because of flu patients.

Influenza virus is spread by coughing and sneezing which contaminates air, hands, and environmental surfaces.  Incubation of the virus takes 1-4 days.  The attack rate (the number of people exposed who will get the disease) is 15-40%.  Infected individuals will shed the virus for about a week.

Flu usually starts with an abrupt onset of fever.  The fever lasts 3-5 days and is usually higher in the evening.  Children may run higher fevers, up to 104.  Cough is an early symptom.  Usually dry and hacking, it progresses by the third day to produce a thick, wet sputum, worsening over the next 4-7 days and lasting up to two weeks.  Headaches, muscle aches, sore throat and congestion round out the typical constellation of flu symptoms.

Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help.  Antibiotics are useful, however, for complications such as bacterial infections which may occur in some people.  Treatment with specific antiviral medication can help if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

This year we will be testing for influenza in the clinic.  The test involves a throat swab, and it takes about 20 minutes to run.  Because we are testing for flu, we will be participating in the National Flu Surveillance Network.  This will help us to track influenza outbreaks and enable us to target our treatments. 

If you think you may have contracted the flu and want to try antiviral treatment, you must begin early, within 48 hours for best results.  If you have chronic medical problems and did not get the vaccine, you should see your doctor early. 

If you want to treat your symptoms yourself, there are some excellent over the counter products which your pharmacist will be glad to tell you about.  Avoid aspirin products, especially in children. Get rest and be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Watch out for complications: fever more than 4-5 days, fever which returns after being gone for 1-2 days, yellow-green or bloody mucus, confusion, seizures, wheezing, difficulty breathing, prolonged headache, or anything your instincts tell you to be concerned about. 

I hope we will have a mild flu season this year and that all will have a safe and happy holiday season with a prosperous and healthy new year.