The Flu Season Is Here:

What You Should Know About The Flu and Why The Flu Shot Won't Give You The Flu

by Laurie Rothman, M.D.


What is the flu?
Influenza, or "the flu" is a highly contagious, viral respiratory infection transmitted through close contact or indirect contact with an infected person.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times even lead to death. Each year 5%-20% of the US population gets the flu. Usually, flu is transmitted person to person through coughing or sneezing. Once contracted, the flu takes 24 to 48 hours to show symptoms. Flu virus is transmittable before symptoms present and after they have resolved. The risk of infection increases for people with chronic illness or immune deficiency, pregnant women, the elderly and those who live in close quarters during an outbreak. Young children and adults over 65 are more likely to have serious complications. The recovery from influenza without complications is 3-14 days.

How can you decrease your chances of getting the flu?
1) Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2) Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
3) Get plenty of sleep, exercise, manage your stress and eat a healthful diet.
3) Get vaccinated every year!

Who should get a flu shot?
Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of becoming ill from influenza should get a flu shot.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children and adolescents 6 months to 18 years of age, people over 50, pregnant women, and health care workers should get vaccinated. In addition, anyone with a chronic illness such as diabetes, COPD, heart disease or asthma should get a flu vaccine.  The CDC also recommends that people who are in close contact with those at higher risk should get vaccinated.

When to get vaccinated?
The flu vaccine is available in September and vaccination can take place through the winter months. Peak influenza activity is usually in January or February.

Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes!  The flu vaccine is very safe and effective.  Flu vaccine does not cause the flu. People with a severe egg allergy to chicken eggs and those who have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past should not get vaccinated.

What is the nasal spray vaccine?
Vaccination via nasal spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people ages 2-49 years old.

What are flu symptoms?
Symptoms may include: high fever, chills, fatigue; dry cough, muscle aches, headache, sore throat and runny nose. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are more likely to occur in children.

What are flu complications?
Yes, flu can be complicated by bacterial pneumonia, dehydration or worsening of a chronic illness.

What can you do if you get the flu?
1) Allow your body to fight the virus by resting as much as possible.
2) To keep your body hydrated, drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juice, tea and non-carbonated drinks.
3) To relieve nasal congestion, insert two drops of saline into each nostril as needed.
4) To relieve your sore throat, gargle with warm salt water.
5) Use a mist humidifier to increase air moisture.
6) For aching muscles, apply a warm, moist compress or moist heating pad.
7) Use non-prescription/over-the-counter cough syrups, nasal sprays or decongestants and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help provide some relief from your flu symptoms.  
8) Take the full course of antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor -- even if you feel better before your prescription runs out.

When should you call your doctor?
If you experience any of the following flu symptoms, call your doctor right away: a high fever, a persistent cough; think nasal, sinus, or ear discharge; bloody or colored sputum, sinus or ear pain; neck pain or stiffness; or shortness of breath.

What can your doctor do?
By discussing your symptoms, performing a physical exam and ordering lab tests and chest x-rays,  your doctor can diagnose your influenza and treat any complications that may occur.

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Dr. Rothman is a Board Certified Family Physician in Juno Beach Florida, specializing in extraordinary, compassionate, primary healthcare to family members 10 years old and up.