You may have read about Hong Kong’s recent flu outbreak in the news. It’s been reported that, from May 5 to August 6, it has contributed to 324 deaths in the region.Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills, and coughing, followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, fatigue, a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.
The flu may spread from person to person even before people have symptoms. It is also contagious while people have flu symptoms. Most people recover from the flu, but some people are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. These include:
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.
Every winter, starting in mid-October of each month, BJU offers a seasonal flu vaccine. This helps prevent the flu viruses that are circulating that season. About two weeks after receiving the flu vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
It is because the vaccine mutates every year. This requires a new vaccine to ensure proper immunity to the flu virus that is in circulation.The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but sometimes the flu spreads in the summer, as it has done in Hong Kong, and we may not have a vaccine available. In these cases, good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
If someone in your daily life is sick, try not to get too close to them until they’re better. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Take time off from work, school, and doing errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Dr. Roo is the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Chair of the Center for Family Medicine and Integrative Health Care, and a Family Medicine Physician at BJU. If you feel sick and wish to see Dr. Roo, or any other BJU doctor, our United Family Healthcare team is available for you. Simply call our service center at 4008-919191 to make an appointment.
Sources: CDC.gov, CDC China