Each winter, influenza spreads around the world. The strains are usually different from one year to the next. That's one of the reasons that you need to be reimmunized for influenza every year.
The two main kinds of influenza viruses are called
Type A
and
Type B
.
You can get the flu if you breathe in infected droplets from someone who is carrying the virus. Or, if you touch a contaminated surface, you may transfer the virus from your hand to your mouth or nose.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Living or working in crowded group conditions, such as:
Nursing home
School
Military forces
Daycare center
All the remaining factors don’t increase the risk of getting flu, but they do increase the risk of developing complications from flu:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis of the flu is usually based on symptoms and by knowing that influenza is already striking other people in a given community. Samples of nasal secretions or a throat swab can be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests can be performed, but they take longer and are more expensive.
Treatment
Treatment may include:
Antiviral Medicines
Antiviral medicines include zanamivir and oseltamivir. Children may be at an increased risk of self-injury and confusion shortly after taking oseltamivir, and should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior.
These medications do not cure the flu, but they may help relieve symptoms and decrease the duration of the illness. But, they must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
Bed Rest
It is important to get plenty of rest when your body is fighting the flu.
Fluids
Drink a lot of liquids, such as water, juice, and noncaffeinated tea.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
These medications are used to control fever and treat aches and pains. Adults can use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child or teen aspirin.
Decongestants
Decongestants are available as pills or nasal sprays. If you use a nasal spray, don't use it longer than 3-5 days, or you may experience an increase in congestion, called "rebound," when you stop using the spray.
Cough Medicines
These include:
Over-the-counter cough medicines (including suppressants and expectorants)
Prescription cough medicines
Cough drops
Prevention
Good preventive measures include:
Wash hands thoroughly, including use of alcohol-based gels.
Avoid touching eyes or nose prior to washing hands.
Avoid biting fingernails.
Avoid sharing personal items during the flu season.
Consider the flu vaccine.
Indications for a yearly flu vaccine, which should be discussed with your doctor:
Persons older than 50 years of age
Residents and employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
People with chronic heart and lung conditions
People with chronic metabolic disease, kidney problems, hemoglobin abnormalities, or immune system problems
Children and teenagers routinely taking aspirin
Pregnant women
Healthcare providers
Household members of high-risk individuals
Children 6-59 months of age
Anyone wishing to reduce their risk of getting the flu should consider the vaccine.
Influenza vaccine has been associated with fewer hospitalizations and deaths from influenza or pneumonia among the elderly living in the community. Researchers who followed a large group of adults older than 65 during the ten flu seasons from 1990-2000 found that those who received the influenza vaccine were less likely to be hospitalized and had a lower mortality rate than those who did not receive the vaccine.*
Two forms of flu vaccine are available, injectable and nasal spray (FluMist). In a recent study of 7,852 children (6-59 months old) comparing the effectiveness of these two vaccine formulations, researchers found that the nasal spray led to 55% fewer cases of influenza through a single flu season. Since slightly more young children (6-11 months old) receiving the nasal spray developed wheezing, the researchers concluded that the benefits of FluMist outweigh its risks, especially in children with a history of asthma or wheezing. Talk to your doctor about which vaccine is the most appropriate for you or your child.
*
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association http://www.lungusa.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/flu
References:
American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org.
CDC MMWR
2006 Jul 28. 55(RR10);1-42.
Derlet R, Lawrence R. Influenza. Emedicine website. Available at: www.emedecine.com/med/topic1170.htm.
Influenza vaccines. WHO position paper.
Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 2002;77:229-240. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/docstore/wer/pdf/2002/wer7728.pdf. Accessed August 30, 2005.
Leblebicioglu H, Brook I. Influenza. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedecine.com.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/.
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone, Inc; 2000.
Updated Prevention section on 3/2/2007 according to the following study, as cited by
DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
: Belshe RB, Edwards KM, Vesikari T, et al. Live attenuated versus inactivated influenza vaccine in infants and young children.
N Engl J Med.
2007 Feb 15;356(7):685-696.
Updated Prevention section on 10/15/2007 according to the following study, as cited by
DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Nichol KL, Nordin JD, Nelson DB, Mullooly JP, Hak E. Effectiveness of influenza vaccine in the community-dwelling elderly. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:1373-1381.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
