It’s that time of the year. Not tax season. Not allergy season, but flu season.
However, this season differs from previous seasons.
The difference n two different types of influenza are going around. Now, we are all used to hearing about the flu and why we should get vaccinated.
I have included some important things to know regarding both seasonal flu and H1N1 based on recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The most common symptoms for the “regular” or seasonal influenza as well as H1N1 or “swine” influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches or pains, headache, chills, fatigue or exhaustion, diarrhea and vomiting.
It is important to know that everyone will not have all of these symptoms, especially the fever.
If you suspect that you have either one of the flu types, it is most important that you avoid contact with other people with the exception of seeking care at your primary care provider.
Both types of flu are treatable with medications called anti-virals.
However, there is a chance that some people have a greater chance of experiencing complications from the flu.
Those at greatest risk are those younger than 5 years old and older than 65 years old.
Pregnant women are also at risk of acquiring either types of the flu.
People with chronic illnesses are at increased risk. These include those with cancer, sickle cell, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, HIV/AIDS and any neurological or neuromuscular disorders.
As with any medical condition, there are some signs or symptoms that warrant a visit to the emergency room.
The symptoms for children and adults are similar yet different.
Symptoms for children include trouble breathing, a bluish skin color, trouble drinking, irritable, fever with a rash, flu-like symptoms with a cough and not playing as usual.
Adult symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, sudden dizziness, confusion and/or severe or persistent vomiting.
If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room.
If you do not have these symptoms that indicate an emergency, visit your primary care provider for treatment.
Your primary care provider will decide whether you actually have either types of the flu and will provide the necessary medication.
It is the recommendation of the CDC that individuals with the flu stay home at least 24 hours after your fever has returned to normal.
Avoid places where there are large crowds of people n work, school, social gatherings, football games, etc. n to reduce the chances that you will expose those people to the flu.
There are a few ways to ensure that you do not get the flu.
The CDC also recommends that a face mask be worn when it is absolutely necessary by a person with flu-like symptoms when going out among large crowds of people.
Coughs and sneezes should be covered with a tissue that can be thrown away instead of a hand.
Most importantly, WASH YOUR HANDS!!!
This is the single most important way to prevent the spread of the flu to others.
Anyone concerned about contracting, either, the seasonal flu or H1N1 should contact their primary care provider.
Vaccinations are now available for the seasonal flu.
It is important that those at risk get this vaccination to keep from getting the flu.
However, if you are allergic to eggs or have had a fever within 24 hours of getting the vaccination, you will not be able to get the vaccine.
H1N1 vaccinations are not due to be released until mid-October with the earliest being Oct. 5.
For more information, talk to your primary care provider about the signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of seasonal and H1N1 influenza.
Other information and updates may be found at www.cdc.org.
- Courtney Young, MPH, a native of Greenwood, is currently working on her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She is a second-year nursing student in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.
