As flu season peaks, vaccine is best way to defend against
influenza
Seven Rhode Islanders have died from flu already, all aged 50+
Seven Rhode Islanders have died from flu already, all aged 50+
And while there’s no cause to panic over headlines warning of a “widespread,” potentially deadly outbreak, there is a need to take precautions to stay healthy.
“There’s so much
attention on it, but it’s not a new problem,” Virginia Lemay, clinical
associate professor in the URI College of Pharmacy, said of recent news
reports. “There are deaths every year, but once the flu season is in its peak,
that’s when people pay more attention to it.”
That peak came early
this year as cold weather sent more people indoors, in closer quarters with
others, allowing the communicable disease to thrive.
State departments of health, including Rhode Island’s, have issued public warnings over the “significant increase” in the virus in early January, about a month sooner than average. The early peak — while likely extending the worst of the flu season — has the advantage of focusing people on preventative measures.
State departments of health, including Rhode Island’s, have issued public warnings over the “significant increase” in the virus in early January, about a month sooner than average. The early peak — while likely extending the worst of the flu season — has the advantage of focusing people on preventative measures.
“For most people, the flu is just the flu. You might feel achy from head to toe, but you’ll feel better within a week,” Lemay said. “But for the very old, the very young, or anyone otherwise ill, it can be much more serious. The healthier the general population can keep themselves, the better we can protect the vulnerable. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to get a flu shot.”
The flu vaccine is the
best — and only — real protection people have against influenza. Contrary to
some beliefs, the flu shot cannot cause a recipient to get the flu. And while
it is not 100 percent effective, the vaccine protects against most flu strains
and helps one’s immune system better fight the virus if it does take hold.
The flu shot is not
just for those traditionally at risk. Even young, healthy individuals with no
high-risk factors like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a compromised immune
system must be vaccinated not just for their own health, but also to prevent
spreading the virus to others, a particular concern on a college campus where
students live in close proximity.
With nearly three months to go in the flu season, health experts are urging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
With nearly three months to go in the flu season, health experts are urging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
“It’s the best defense
we have. Not only will it help prevent the flu, it will help the body respond
to it better,”
Lemay said. “There is no shortage of flu shots; all community pharmacists may immunize at any time, day or night. And the flu shot does no harm. There is literally no reason not to get it.”
Lemay said. “There is no shortage of flu shots; all community pharmacists may immunize at any time, day or night. And the flu shot does no harm. There is literally no reason not to get it.”
Patients with a high
risk factor who contract the flu should see their doctor right away to get
anti-viral medication like Tamiflu, Lemay said.
Traditional antibiotics combat bacteria and do nothing against viruses such as the flu. Those without risk factors can also take anti-viral medications, but, like all medicines, they come with side effects and are effective only within the first 48 hours of contracting the flu, said Lemay, who advised calling your doctor rather than going to a hospital emergency room.
Traditional antibiotics combat bacteria and do nothing against viruses such as the flu. Those without risk factors can also take anti-viral medications, but, like all medicines, they come with side effects and are effective only within the first 48 hours of contracting the flu, said Lemay, who advised calling your doctor rather than going to a hospital emergency room.
“It is very
contagious; you can put other people in the ER at risk of getting it,” Lemay
said. “If you have a high risk factor, you need to go to the doctor right away.
Otherwise, it’s usually best to stay home, take fever reducers, stay hydrated
and get lots of sleep.”