Fall/Winter 2007

Influenza season is a lot like football. If your team wins, you feel good. If you lose, it’s not such a good feeling. The fight against influenza is pretty competitive. You need a good game plan, you have to execute well and you can’t stand on your past glories. So here’s a play-by-play guide to victory over influenza.

Know your opponent’s strength. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average:

• Five percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
• About 36,000 people die from flu

Review your opponent’s strategy. Influenza can cause a variety of symptoms. Among them:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur

Have a good game plan. Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international observation and scientists' estimations about which types of flu viruses will be around in a given year.

Review old game films. Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. Most people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.

The best offense is a good defense. Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) that certain people should get vaccinated each year:

• All children six months to five years of age
• All children on long-term aspirin therapy
• Children with chronic respiratory (such as asthma), cardiovascular, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic (diabetes) disorders
• Children who are immunosuppressed
• Any child with a condition that can compromise breathing if a respiratory illness occurs (this includes neurologic and muscular disorders)
• Children who live in a chronic-care facility
• Siblings (and parents) of children who fall into one of the above categories
• Anyone that desires protection from influenza

Stick to your game plan. The single biggest way to win against influenza is to get vaccinated. There are two types of vaccines:

• The “shot." This vaccine contains killed virus. It is approved for individuals older than six months of age.
• The “nasal spray.” This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for use in people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

• Soreness, redness or swelling may occur where the shot was given
• Fever (low grade)
• Aches

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Low grade fever

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food