Healthy Living

The flu is going viral. Yes it is true. It‘s catchy!

Due to a genetic change in this shifty virus, this year’s flu shot is less effective (about 40% compared to close to 70% in past years). This is concerning since all of the national indicators have revealed that this could be the worst flu season in more than seven years. This is mostly due to the decreased effectiveness of our vaccine.

Who is at risk for influenza complications? Children (less than 5 years old); adults over 65; pregnant women or recent postpartum; nursing home patients or clients in long term facilities; any person with underlying medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);  diabetes, asthma or a weakened immune system as well as many others.

For a complete listing, check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website and view “Are You At Risk for Serious Illness from Flu.”

What should you do is you think you have the flu? Although the virus has shifted, our rapid flu test has not. It remains about 70% sensitive and 98% specific. The earlier you are tested, the more accurate the test result .

Therefore, it is essential that if you develop symptoms of fever, headache, body aches and fatigue,  you should visit your health care professional and be tested.  If your test is positive or your symptoms are classic, antiviral medications can be prescribed. These medications reduce symptoms and decrease the risk for complications from the flu. They are most effective if given within 72 hours of symptoms but recent evidence has shown some benefit even after four-five days of symptoms.

Of course, the best avenue is always prevention.  If you are diagnosed with the flu, please be considerate of others by isolating yourself especially when you are most contagious (first three to five days). Also, please cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. The use of disposable tissues are preferable over handkerchiefs since hankies are just a breeding ground for organisms. Hankies can go viral very easily. 

Frequent hand washing and alcohol cleansers are staples for everyone during this season. Studies have confirmed that the alcohol cleansers (such as Purell) are very effective at killing the flu on contact.

And, despite the flu mutation this year, vaccination is still the gold standard for flu prevention.

It takes a heightened vigilance and up-to-date knowledge to keep the flu contained. You are armed with all of that now. Let’s make healthy habits more catchy than the flu.

Paqui Motyl, MD, specializes in internal medicine and is based at the Montville Backus Family Health Center. This advice should not replace the advice of your personal health care provider. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy Living blog at www.healthydocs.blogspot.com or e-mail Mr. Motyl or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org