According to state officials, incidence of the flu is on the rise here in California. Usually there is a surge of cases close to New Year’s with the number of cases peaking over the next two months. The number one protection for you, your family, your friends and your co-workers is to wash your hands to avoid spreading the disease. While many people may contract a mild case, which can be cured by resting at home, a small proportion of the population develops severe symptoms that require medical attention.
Cold or flu?
It is important to remember that the flu cannot be cured by antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections such as the common cold, flu, bronchitis or most coughs (not caused by strep) or runny noses.
Cold symptoms typically include sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose, accompanied by a sore throat. The flu, on the other hand, usually includes a fever, chills, headaches, body aches and extreme fatigue. Symptoms typically last between one and two weeks.
Are you at risk?
The following groups are more likely to experience complications if they contract the flu: seniors over the age of 65, children younger than two years old and those with compromised immune systems. These complications include bacterial pneumonia, ear or sinus infections, dehydration or worsening of their pre-existing or chronic conditions.
After contracting the flu, healthy adults are typically contagious for one day prior to developing symptoms and up to seven days after symptoms appear. Those with compromised immune systems can stay contagious for longer periods of time.
Prevent the spread of the flu
As with any disease, the best defense is to wash your hands (especially out in public), stay away from those who have the flu and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. It is often helpful to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your car to use after eating or after pumping gas into your car. It is essential you stick to your healthy regimen when you know you are at risk for contracting the illness. When you do not get enough sleep or begin eating poorly, you inhibit your body’s ability to fight off the disease.
If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has broken to avoid infecting others.
When to see the doctor
Both PPMA and the U.S. Dept. of Health recommend seeking emergency medical attention if the following symptoms develop:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Take care of your health and be well.
Photo credit: Flickr user SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget. Used with permission through Creative Commons.