"This year's vaccine looks to be a good match with this year's influenza strains," according to Northwest Georgia Public Health's Dr. Wade Sellers, "including the H3N2 strain we're seeing circulating in the community." Sellers said this particular influenza strain can be associated with more severe flu seasons.
"In the past, what we've seen is that H3-predominant years tend to be the worst. The increasing flu activity we're seeing should be a wake-up call," Sellers said. "For anyone who has put off vaccination, it's time to get your flu vaccine now."
"It's important to wash your hands, cover your mouth and remain home if you're sick, all those things your mother told you, but the single best way to prevent yourself or your loved ones from getting the flu is to get immunized against it," reiterated Northwest Georgia Public Health spokesman Logan Boss. "It's still not too late to be immunized and, in about two weeks, get the protection the flu vaccine provides."
"There's plenty of flu vaccine widely available this season," Boss said, "and two types -- the traditional 'flu shot' and the nasal-spray vaccine. You'll need to check with your health care provider to determine which is recommended for you. Some people should not get the flu vaccine, and your provider can help you determine if you're in this small group."
Based on the early arrival of the flu, this flu season could be a long one. Peak flu season is usually the end of January and runs through late February or early March, but can sometimes extend into spring.
"Influenza is incredibly unpredictable," Boss said. "The only thing we know for certain, besides its unpredictability, is that getting vaccinated in the best way to protect against it."
Boss said influenza immunization is recommended for everyone over six months of age and especially for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications. Those include children younger than five, especially those younger than two, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions including asthma, heart disease and chronic lung disease.
"It's important for household contacts and caregivers of children younger than five years to be vaccinated," Boss said, "but especially so for those of children younger than six months, since infants less than six months of age can't be immunized. Get immunized yourself and, in doing so, wrap that blanket of protection around the young child."
Boss emphasized it's important to take preventative measures now to minimize the effects of the flu and stay healthy this flu season.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills, although it's important to note not everyone with flu will have a fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
In addition to getting immunized, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water also will help guard against the flu. Alcohol-based gels are the next best thing.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow or arm. Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever without the use of a fever reducer (Tylenol) for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.
If you are at special risk of complications from flu, contact your doctor as soon as your symptoms begin. If you are otherwise healthy and not at increased risk of complications, seek medical advice if your flu symptoms are unusually severe, such as trouble breathing, a severe sore throat, a cough that produces a lot of green or yellow mucus or feeling faint.
Also, see your doctor immediately if you think you might have signs or symptoms of pneumonia, which may include a severe cough that brings up phlegm, a high fever and a sharp pain when you breathe deeply.
Parents, do not hesitate to contact your child's doctor if you have concerns about the flu, questions about your child's symptoms or if you think your child should receive the flu vaccine. The doctor will be able to answer your questions and go over information specific for your child's age as well as any pre-existing conditions he or she may have.
Take your child to the pediatrician or to the emergency department if he or she displays any of the following symptoms:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough to maintain hydration
- Not waking up or interacting
- Irritability to the point that he or she doesn't want to be held
Also, consult a doctor if your child's flu symptoms improve but then return and include a fever and worse cough.
For more information about seasonal flu, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu
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