Be Prepared for Flu Season

Flu season is almost upon us. Prepare yourself early with these helpful tips.

Seasonal influenza, more commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a viral infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza activity typically peaks in the winter months in temperate regions and easily spreads from person to person. The virus can be spread by air droplets from coughing or sneezing. A person can also be infected with the virus when touching the mouth, eyes, or nose after coming in contact with an infected surface.

What are the symptoms?
Influenza symptoms usually appear as an abrupt onset of high fever, coughing, body aches, headaches, malaise, runny nose, sore throat, or any combination of these. Symptoms typically show up two days after exposure to the virus. However, an individual with the influenza virus becomes contagious one day before the onset of symptoms and continues to be contagious for up to five days after symptoms appear.

What treatments are available?
Treatment of influenza usually involves over the counter medications for symptomatic relief and/or prescription anti-virals specifically designed to fight against the flu. While treatments are available, most people actually recover from the influenza virus naturally within a week without any medical intervention at all. However, complications from the flu can occur and, in severe cases such as pneumonia, may require hospitalization.

If flu is suspected, it is important to note that children and teenagers should not be given aspirin or cold remedies containing aspirin. This includes products with acetylsalicylate, salicylate, acetylsalicylic acid, ASA or salicylic acid. These ingredients can lead to them developing Reye’s syndrome, a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects the neurological system. It is important to know the ingredients of any medications prior to administering them to children or teenagers. If you are administering drugs produced locally in China with only Chinese language directions, ask for a translation before using them.

How can I avoid getting the flu?
Due to the contagious nature of the virus, influenza epidemics occur every year globally, often spreading quickly through schools, homes, and workplaces. It is therefore important that you take preventive steps to control the spread of the flu. Some preventive measures include the following:

-  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick to help prevent others from catching your illness.
-  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
-  Wash your hands with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer (especially children).
-  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice good health habits—get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress well, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

While preventive measures are important, it has been scientifically demonstrated that the single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination every year. Yearly flu vaccinations are offered in the fall and throughout the influenza season. Early vaccination in September or October is advised when the vaccine becomes available. However, getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or in the later winter months.

Who should get the flu shot?
The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months old and above, especially those at higher risk of infection including those with chronic conditions, the elderly, healthcare workers, caregivers of those at high risk, and close contacts of children younger than 6 months.

The vaccination is safe for women who are breastfeeding. However pregnant women will need a doctor’s prescription before they can receive the vaccine. If you have a severe egg allergy or an allergy to any vaccine component you should not get the influenza vaccine.

If you develop several flu-like symptoms such as cough and fever described above, and are concerned about your health — especially if you are at high risk for complications from the flu — you should consult a physician immediately.

Dr. Eunice Chen is a Family Medicine Physician at Shanghai United Family Hospital, 1139 Xian Xia Road, Changning District. You can book an appointment by calling (021) 2216 3922 or (021) 2216 3936.

Resources
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
The World Health Organization (WHO): http://www.who.int/topics/influenza/en/

Read another article on Shanghai Expat about flu shots:
http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/article/it-s-time-get-your-flu-shot-again-8811.html

Get your imported flu shot at SHU for only RMB 88
The 2010-2011 influenza vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza, influenza A/H3N2, and influenza B. The influenza vaccine will be available at Shanghai United Family Hospital (SHU) from early October. In addition to regular Monday to Friday patient visits, SHU will be offering special flu vaccine “fast-track” clinics from 9am until 4pm every Saturday starting from October 16 until December 18, 2010. Simply turn up at SHU, no appointment is necessary.