Influenza Season 2014-2015

Influenza Season 2014-2015 As summer comes to an end and fall sets in bringing cooler and dryer weather, we begin to think of flu season. Often you will hear people say they had the flu last year and hope that they will not get it again this season. Since flu is seasonal, it is the time of the year to begin to think about the measures we can take to prevent getting the flu this season. A healthy lifestyle will promote a healthy immune system thus helping to avoid illness such as the flu. Steps you can take:  eating a proper diet  getting appropriate sleep  exercising daily  managing stress  relaxation with laughter and joy  and of course getting the annual flu vaccine! Also, to prevent spreading the flu at home, work and in the public, it is important to maintain good hygiene, especially:  frequent hand washing  practicing daily cleaning of areas that have excessive handlers/users such as door knobs, counters, etc.  using hand sanitizers if water and soap are not available What you should know about the flu Types of flu. Influenza is an acute infectious disease that is caused by several different strains of viruses. While there are numerous viruses, the flu viruses that affect humans are identified as A, B, and C and are further classified by their location of origin, year first presented and its viral subtype, for example A/California/7/2009 (H1N1). During flu season there may be multiple flu viruses circulating around the globe, but usually there will be 3 or 4 identified as being the most virulent or disease producing. Transmission of disease. The virus is transmitted by droplets of saliva that are released during talking, coughing, sneezing, and laughing. The viruses can stay viable on objects and in dust for weeks. The incubation period or the time span it takes from the time one becomes infected to the time that one will come down with the viral illness takes one to five days. While the major target is the respiratory tract, the flu virus can also affect the other organs, such as the heart. Symptoms. The characteristics of the flu include sudden onset of fever, chills, headaches, cough, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches. Some, mainly children, may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. The duration of the flu can range from a few days to 2 weeks. Possible complications. The serious complications of the flu include pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and congestive heart disease. The population most at risks for getting complications from the flu are the elderly, the children, those with chronic medical conditions and the immunocompromised. The flu can also cause deaths in the most vulnerable: the CDC FLUVIEW reported a total of 105 pediatric deaths for the 2013-2014 flu season. Flu Vaccine Flu vaccine can protect you and your family, friends, coworkers form getting the flu, help prevent the spread of the flu and prevent serious complications including death. The flu vaccine for the 2014-2015 season is well on its way in preparedness for distribution. This year flu strains in the vaccine were based on the reporting by states, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other countries as well as by research findings. While it is not possible to predict what flu or flus may appear this season, all statistical information is reviewed by the World Health Organization and recommendations are determined by the findings. The difficulty with prediction is due to the fact of drift, which means the virus strains mutate or change. The drift or mutations of the virus is the reason that the flu vaccine is an annual vaccine. The vaccines available this season will be a trivalent vaccine which will contain an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus, a (H3N2) like A/Texas/50/2012, a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus, and a quadrivalent vaccine which contains the same three plus a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus. The vaccine can be given into muscle of the upper arm (IM), under the skin (ID) and by nasal spray. The IM and ID are not live vaccine. The nasal spray is a live vaccine and is not applicable for those with certain medical conditions. There is also a vaccine that has a stronger dose for the elderly. Research has indicated that the elderly had a slower immune response to the regular dose compared to younger individuals but did have an increased response with a stronger dose. What to do if you get sick with flu   If you choose not to get the flu vaccine this season and you do get the flu, call your doctor. There is a medication your doctor can prescribe for you early in the onset that can offset the severity of the disease. Stay at home and avoid contact with others until your fever has subsided.