By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

IN OCTOBER THE LEAVES TURN COLOR, AND IT'S TIME FOR FLU SHOTS

I have received several questions from readers recently regarding flu season. One common theme involves the issue of who should get a flu shot. Since this is the time of year to begin preparing for “flu season,” I thought it most appropriate to give my readers a brief overview of influenza and some tips on how best to prevent it.

Influenza is a contagious viral illness, usually caused by influenza virus type A or type B. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and is different from a cold. The symptoms usually come on suddenly and may include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches and fatigue. With a cold, the onset is more gradual, the fever is usually low grade, if present, and the symptoms are primarily in the upper respiratory tree -- head, nose and throat. It is much less common to have high fever, body aches and fatigue with a cold.

Both illnesses are spread by droplets that become airborne when an infected persons coughs, sneezes or even just talks. A person may be infected and spreading the virus for several days before he or she has symptoms of illness. If you get the flu, bed rest and plenty of fluids are a mainstay of treatment. Medication to manage the fever and body aches, like acetaminophen, can also help. Some physicians recommend antiviral medications, which can assist your body in fighting the flu and speed your recovery. The best treatment is, of course, prevention.

Question: So, who should get a flu shot and why?

Answer: All persons over 65 should have a flu shot. This group is at risk for influenza complications, like pneumonia. Residents of long-term care facilities and any adult with chronic medical problems -- especially heart and lung disease -- should strongly consider influenza vaccination.

It's also a good idea for healthy adults between 50 and 64 to get a flu shot to prevent spread of the virus to high risk older people, co-workers and children. Likewise, influenza vaccine, if given to a healthy child, can decrease the spread of the disease and also reduce his or her risk of hospitalization due to a serious case of the flu. In fact, almost everyone who wants to decrease his or her odds of getting the flu is well advised to get a flu shot.

Oh yes, I'm also in a high-risk group myself -- because of my occupation. Physicians, other health-care workers and home-based care givers can reduce their own risks and help prevent the spread of the virus by getting a flu shot.

Flu shots are given in October and November, so your body can build immunity before the flu season peaks in January. Flu season is from November to April, in the Northern Hemisphere.

There are some people who should NEVER take a flu shot. This group includes those who are severely allergic to hen’s eggs, those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot, or those who have developed Guillian-Barré Syndrome within six weeks of having a flu shot. Keep in mind, though, that most people can take the flu vaccine and benefit by doing so. If you have any questions in your own case, please talk to your family physician.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnosis and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at http://www.FamilyMedicineNews.org.