It's flu season and that one little word can rightfully cause panic among parents. So to help you, here is everything you need to know about the flu.
What is the 'Flu'
Influenza is a virus of international health importance as it is estimated that globally, more than 1 billion people per year come down with the flu.
Of these cases:
- 3-5 million cases are severe
- 290,000-650,000 people die annually
What happens when you get the flu?
The flu mainly affects the respiratory system, and the most common symptoms are:
- Runny nose, sore throat, cough
- Fever, body and headaches
Flu can occasionally affect the lungs, usually associated with:
- High fever
- Severe weakness
- Severe cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- 'Productive' cough (mucous coming up with cough)
- Pneumonia, either caused by the influenza virus or another virus or bacterial infection that has developed as a result of bad flu (*this is particularly worrisome as bacterial pneumonias tend to be aggressive.
Flu can cause death, especially in those who have serious conditions or risk factors such as:
- The very young and the very old
- The immunocompromised with conditions such as HIV or cancer; chemotherapy and radiation patients; those on chronic steroids (such as for Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis); poorly-controlled asthma; diabetes
(sugar); hypertension (pressure)
A typical flu lasts from 1-2 weeks.
How does one get the flu?
Flu spreads through transmission of respiratory droplets and small particles produced when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes.
During flu season, it is particularly contagious and spreads easily from one person to the next, which makes it so prevalent during these months.
Cold and flu seasons are usually associated with the colder months, and can begin as early as August through
April, and sometimes May.
How can you protect yourself and your children from coming down with the flu?
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water or, if unavailable, hand sanitizer
- Cover your nose and mouth if sneezing or coughing and encourage others to do the same
- GET THE FLU VACCINE!
Who should receive the flu vaccine?
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended that the following “target” populations (those at highest risk of getting the flu and severe infection with or without death) be considered:
- Healthcare workers
- People suffering from certain chronic diseases, such as those who have: cancer, HIV, chronic, ongoing treatments requiring steroids, chemotherapy radiation or any other immunosuppressive treatment (such as chronic steroid usage), as well as several other serious diseases
- Elderly adults
- Pregnant women
WHO also recommends that the following individuals/conditions (sub-populations) are also important to consider:
- All children 6 months and above who are at high risk of bad disease and/or death
- All children between the ages of 6 months and 23 months (2 years of age)
- All children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months (6 years of age)
- Persons living in tight quarters like prisons, homeless shelters, long-term facility care centres, refugee camps, asylum seekers, group homes.
What does the Jamaican Ministry of Health (MOH) recommend?
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Webster Kerr reminds us that the MOH “has made available the flu vaccine free of cost in the public health system to high-risk members of the population, including:
- Health care workers
- Children and elderly with chronic illness
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who are institutionalised or in state care
- Non-health care frontline workers: police, army, correctional services, customs and immigration officers
Dr. Karen Webster Kerr also encouraged private healthcare providers to obtain the flu vaccine and offer it to the general population.
What does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend?
In its latest policy statement, the AAP said: All children 6 months and older should be vaccinated for the influenza this fall
What does Dr Dickson recommend?
All children, 6 months and above, who eligible for the Influenza Vaccine (“Flu Shot”) make an appointment today with her @Ruthven Medical Centre to receive the shot
Some children who have fever, history of allergic or other “adverse reaction” to the flu and other sub-conditions may not be eligible for the flu shot.
Upon consultation, Dr Dickson will determine whether or not the flu shot is right for your child or children.
She’s also happy to offer it to parents who qualify and accompany their children’s visit.
This vaccine is currently available @Ruthven Medical Centre
Make an appointment today to see Dr Dickson so you can get yours ASAP!