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TIPS TO PREVENT CATCHING INFLUENZA

  BEAT THE FLU

It's coming our way: the yearly influenza outbreak that creeps across the country in the winter months. Michigan's first cases have already been spotted, and more may be coming. But that doesn't mean you and your family must suffer through a bout of the flu, and risk complications - you may be able to avoid the flu altogether, or lessen its effects, with a few simple steps.

The University of Michigan Health System's Jeffrey Desmond, M.D., co-director of adult emergency services in the U-M Emergency Department, and Marie Lozon, M.D., director of children's emergency medicine, are offering advice now while there's still time. "You may be able to avoid the flu or complications with some simple steps," says Desmond. "We hope we can get the message out now, in January, that it's not too late to take some critical precautions."

How to prevent flu infections:

  • If you haven't gotten a flu shot, get it now!
    The much-publicized delays in production of the flu vaccine are over, and there's still time to get a shot and build immunity before our area gets hit with the brunt of the epidemic. Flu vaccinations are extremely effective, and you can't get the flu from them. They're especially key for people over 65, those who have chronic illnesses, and health workers. Check local supermarkets and senior centers for vaccine clinics.
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  • Wash your hands!
    Something as simple as washing your hands often at this time of year can drastically cut your risk of catching flu, even if you've been around someone who has it. Hand-washing, thoroughly and with soap and water, reduces the chance that viruses from surfaces and other people will get into your eyes, nose or mouth, and from there into your body. And you don't need to use antibacterial products - influenza virus is easily killed by regular soap.
  • Don't share germs!
    It's often the most innocent actions that spread the flu virus, says Desmond. So, keep children from sharing toys with children who may be sick, and clean up used tissues carefully. Remember to cover your mouth when you cough, just like your mom told you.

How to spot and treat the early signs of flu:

  • Recognize the first symptoms:
    The flu comes on fast, Desmond says, so you can be pretty sure that you've got it if you suddenly develop fever, aches, headache, sore throat, cough and chills. Most symptoms will go away within five days in a normal bout with the flu, though the cough can linger longer. A second round of fever or worsening cough could follow from a new infection that takes hold when your immune defenses are low.

  • Learn to spot flu in your kids:
    Lozon knows from experience that it's hard for parents to know when their children have the flu, because kids can't always describe exactly what symptoms they're feeling and many other winter infections have similar symptoms. But just like in adults, the flu hits kids fast and hard. They may react by acting fussy, miserable and cranky, crying frequently, and saying they hurt all over. You can take their temperature with a rectal or oral thermometer to measure the level of a fever and guide you on when to treat it for comfort reasons, but Lozon warns parents against focusing on the exact temperature - the child's activity level and responsiveness are more important.
  • Know what isn't the flu:
    Since influenza infects your respiratory, or breathing, system, you shouldn't blame the flu if you get nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are more likely caused by gastroenteritis, another viral infection that takes hold in your digestive system. Common colds can also be mistaken for the flu. And children can get other viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, that seem similar to the flu.
  • Attack fast:
    If you're in the flu's early stages, you have some new - and some tried-and-true - options.

    New on the scene:
    The new options are antiviral drugs, called Relenza and Tamiflu, that can be taken within a few days of the onset of symptoms and may help shorten the time you're sick and prevent complications. They may also slow the spread of an infection in a group situation like a nursing home. Many primary care physicians can prescribe these new drugs, which were approved for use just recently, but the therapies aren't appropriate for everyone and may cause side effects.

    So, Desmond's advice is to call your doctor to see what he or she says.

    Old and reliable:
    Of course, people have conquered flu for eons, long before the new drugs came on the market. Desmond says he can't emphasize enough the importance of staying hydrated - that is, making sure you or your loved ones get enough water through liquids and foods.

    Even though flu may kill your appetite, it's crucial to get plenty of water, sports drinks, diluted juices, herbal tea, un-caffeinated sodas and soup. That will help prevent the dizziness, dry mouth and decreased urination that are the marks of dehydration. "Many of the people coming to the emergency room for help with the flu need to be rehydrated," Desmond says. "Why wait to get the same thing in the ER that you could have gotten at home days earlier?"

    He also notes that pain relievers like acetominophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can ease fever, aches and pains and comfort flu sufferers. Lozon advises that parents treat children's fevers with proper doses of the same medications, following instructions on the label. But she cautions strongly that children, teens and young adults with the flu should never take aspirin, because it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome. Lozon also recommends warm - never cold - baths or showers for children who can tolerate them.
  • Watch for complications:
    The flu's effect on your body can allow other infections to creep in, causing secondary problems, or complications. These can be especially likely in anyone with an existing health condition, such as lung or heart diseases and diabetes, and for infants, pregnant women and the elderly.

    One symptom that may confuse you is colored phlegm from the nose or throat; this may not necessarily signal a bacterial sinus infection that should be treated with antibiotics. But if the colored phlegm is accompanied by a cough that lasts more than a week, it may be bacterial bronchitis.

    If you or a child are just not feeling like your symptoms are easing at all after a few days, even with fever medications, hydration and other tactics, call your doctor to discuss options.

    If you or the child have the flu and develop a change in alertness or mental status, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath or chest pain, go to the emergency room.

 

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