Every year around the first of November we find ourselves plunged into another flu season. Healthcare organizations ramp up communications; signs appear outside of neighborhood pharmacies; health centers promote public flu vaccine sessions; and almost half of the US population typically decides to get vaccinated.
However, unlike last year when flu season hit early and hard in the Boston area, the flu season is hitting the Northeast region later this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That does not mean to hold off on getting a flu shot if you haven’t yet.
According to Rachel Haims, MD, medical director and primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Wayland, located in Wayland, MA, it isn’t too late to get the vaccine. Getting the vaccine anytime before the end of the flu season will decrease your risk. It may decrease your chance of getting the flu by as much as 70 to 90 percent.
“The flu vaccine is important to get especially if you are within the high risk populations or if you are a caregiver or household contact of these individuals,” says Dr Haims. “In certain populations, the flu can be serious, lead to medical complications and even death.”
The high risk populations who should get the flu vaccine each year include:
- Children under 2 years old
- Elderly
- Chronically ill
- Immunocompromised
- Pregnant women
Keep in mind, says Dr. Haims, the flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age – not just the high-risk. Healthcare workers and children are highly advised to receive the vaccine as well.
Influenza, or the flu, is an acute viral infection characterized by the abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, body aches, and often headache. These symptoms are often accompanied by cough, sore throat and nasal discharge. The flu causes missed days of work and the inability to care for family and oneself.
“The flu typically lasts for 3 to 5 days, but if caught early enough–with 24 to 48 hours– antiviral medication can be administered that can lessen the severity and decrease the duration of the symptoms,” explains Dr. Haims. “There is limited or no benefit after the 48 hour time period. That is why it is so important to see your primary care physician as soon as you notice symptoms.”
In general, antivirals are recommended for those who need it the most, such as the high risk population, but anyone can get them.
To combat the flu, Dr. Haims recommends plenty of rest, keep hydrated, and treat symptoms with medications, such as for high fever. “The flu is highly contagious and is spread by respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, and talking, so you should not go to work or public places if you are sick.”
Dr. Haims recommends the following steps you can take to help protect youself from getting the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Talk to you doctor about getting the flu vaccine. It is the best defense against the flu.
Dr. Haims is located at Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare-Wayland, 109 Andrew Avenue, Suite 101, Wayland, MA. Call 781-453-8450 or visit www.bidmc.org/pcpnow.
