Be prepared for flu season

  • Published
  • By Al Eakle
  • 88th Medical Group Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  Colder temperatures signal the start of the flu season, which runs primarily between December and April. With a nationwide shortage of vaccine this year, health officials say it is important to know the symptoms of this contagious respiratory illness, and what to do if a person is infected.

The flu usually starts suddenly, said Maj. (Dr.) Molinda Chartrand, a staff pediatrician, and Capt. (Dr.) Eric Halsey, an infectious disease physician, assigned to the 88th Medical Group here. Symptoms may include fever, headache, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, tiredness, cough and sore throat.

Diarrhea and vomiting also can occur but are more common in children, Dr. Chartrand said.

Although the phrase “stomach flu” is often used to describe an illness involving nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, Dr. Halsey said the flu virus does not classically cause gastrointestinal disease.

The flu spreads fro person to person in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Occasionally people may become infected by touching something with virus on it, and then touching their mouth or nose.

Adults may be able to infect others one day before getting symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick. That makes it possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are actually under the weather, Dr. Chartrand said.

People with the flu need plenty of rest and a lot of liquids. They should avoid using alcohol and tobacco. They should also take medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu.

The doctors said parents should never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.

They also advised people who are at high risk from complications of the flu to consult their health-care provider if they develop flu-like symptoms. Doctors, they said, may recommend use of an anti-viral medication to help treat the flu.

There are also are some “emergency warning signs” that require urgent medical attention, they said.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

-- Fast breathing or trouble breathing.

-- Bluish skin color.

-- Not drinking enough fluids.

-- Not waking up or not interacting.

-- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held.

-- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

-- Fever with a rash.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

-- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

-- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.

-- Sudden dizziness.

-- Confusion.

-- Severe or persistent vomiting.

People need to seek medical care immediately if they are experiencing any of these signs, the doctors said. At the hospital, they should tell the reception staff that they think they have the flu.

For more information on flu symptoms or treatment, contact your primary care manager.