Just Say 'No' To The Flu

Every year, the flu season gets longer and the virus becomes more severe. But there are precautions you can take to prevent getting sick. There is also a wave of new drugs that can at least lessen the symptoms and shorten the time you'll be laid up. On Friday's Early Show, Dr. Emily Senay shared information about keeping the flu at bay.

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza is spread easily from person to person, primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Influenza may lead to hospitalization or even death, especially among the elderly.

About 10 to 20 percent of the population contract influenza annually.

There is a vaccine to protect against influenza--the "flu shot" is usually given in the fall (September through December) so that protection is conferred for the entire flu "season" (December through March).

Because the influenza virus changes from year to year, it is important to get vaccinated with a new flu vaccine every year.

Since influenza viruses change frequently, they may not always be covered by the vaccine. The vaccine contains viruses that are the same or similar to those thought to be most likely to come to the U.S. this year.

All the viruses in the vaccine are killed so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.

Also, other viruses cause diseases that seem like the influenza and the influenza vaccine does not protect against these other viral infections.

Typical influenza illness is characterized by the abrupt onset of high fever, chills, a dry cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle and joint pain. Unlike other common respiratory infections, which are often called "the flu," influenza can cause extreme fatigue lasting several days to weeks.

Although most people are ill for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related illnesses. Most deaths caused by influenza are in elderly people.

The vaccine begins to protect you after 1 to 2 weeks and protection may last up to one year. Influenza is most common in the U.S. from December to April, so it is best to get the vaccine in the fall.

People age 9 and older need only one shot each influenza season, while children under nine may need a second shot after one month.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

• People 50 years of age or older.
  

  
  

• Healthcare workers and others in contact with people in high-risk groups.
  

  
  

• People with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart.
  

  
  

• People who are less able to fight infections because of a disease they are born with, infection with HIV, treatment with medications such as long-term steroids, and/or reatment for cancer with X-rays or medications.
  

  
  

• People who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic illnesses.
  

  
  

• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
  

  
  

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities housing anyone of any age with chronic medical conditions.
  

  
  

• Persons 6 months to 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, which puts them at risk for developing Reye syndrome after influenza.
  

  
  

• Anyone who wishes to reduce their chance of becoming ill from influenza, particularly those who provide essential community services.
  

  
  

Does the vaccine have risks?

As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with influenza illness are much greater than the potential risks associated with the influenza vaccine.

Children under 13 years old should be given only the "split virus" vaccine to reduce chances of side effects. Split-virus vaccines can also be used by adults.

Tell your doctor or nurse if you:

• Have a serious allergy to eggs
• Have ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem after getting influenza vaccination
• Were ever paralyzed by Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Now have a moderate or severe illness
  

  
  

Already sick? It's not too late

In the meantime, the flu drugs should be considered.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that the inhaled drug zanamivir can actually prevent transmission of the flu virus among family members. It is sold under the brand name Relenza.

It is important to get the vaccine even if the drug is avilable to you. The drug only works for the time you're taking it, and you have to take it soon after you know you have been exposed.

A small number of people still wind up getting the flu even when they take the drug, so if you think you are at high risk, get the vaccine as well.

The drug Relenza and another like it are approved for the treatment of the flu. The latest studies show however, that using them for prevention is not unreasonable.

If you have been exposed you can begin the medication and also get a flu shot.

The drugs do not interfere with immunity from the vaccine. Take the medication for the specified period of time and after that you will be immune as a result of getting the vaccine.

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