With a shortage of influenza vaccine nationwide, physicians with Allina Medical Clinic are urging people to take extra precautions as we enter what may be one of the worst flu seasons in years. “Washing your hands frequently and avoiding exposure to sick people are some simple steps to prevent the spread of the influenza virus,” said Jimmy Ching, M.D., internist/pediatrician at Allina Medical Clinic – Buffalo. “Diagnosing the virus within the first 48 hours of onset is also critical to treatment and prevention.” The flu is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a virus. It is spread by droplets of moisture released into the air from the mouth or nose of infected people when coughing or sneezing. Debugging the flu prevention steps o Hand washing – The simplest, most effective way to avoid the flu and other viruses is to wash your hands, and wash them often. Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. If flu germs get on your hands, you can infect yourself by rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth. Also, wash your hands if you have the flu to avoid infecting others. o Keep it to yourself – Don’t share your personal items including towels, washcloths, silverware, cups, glasses, straws and razors. o Stay healthy – Healthy people are less likely to get sick. Keep up your resistance to infection with a good diet, plenty of rest and regular exercise. o Avoid exposure – Crowds of people may mean a lot of flu virus in the air. If you do get the flu, stay home. Going to work or school only puts others at risk of getting sick. o New drugs have been developed in recent years that can be used to treat certain strains of the flu, helping to limit the extent of the illness. The drugs, which are prescribed by a physician, need to be taken within 48 hours after onset. Symptoms of the flu If, despite these precautions, you do get sick, the first symptoms of the flu are: o A high fever (101 to 103 degrees F) o Chills and sweats, o Muscle aches and head-aches o After onset of the flu, you will likely suffer from a runny nose, cough, sore throat, watery eyes and eyes that are sensitive to light. These symptoms usually last from three to five days. Treatment o If you think you have the flu, doctors recommend: o Staying at home and getting lots of rest, o Breathing steamy air, o Drinking lots of fluids or eating broth soups, o Taking Tylenol to reduce fever. Remember, antibiotics are ineffective against the flu. If symptoms persist or worsen after three to five days, or if you experience painful or difficult breathing or chest pain, you should see your doctor. More information on the flu, including tips on how to wash your hands, is available on the Internet at Medformation.com. Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics provide care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina Hospitals & Clinics can be found online at www.allina.com. Medformation.com together with the popular Medformation call center, is a community service of Allina Hospitals and Clinics. The Web site provides reliable, local health information, news, physician referral, and other resources.
