As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b
Weekend words is a regular feature of watercress words. At the end of the work week we pause exploring strictly medical topics to consider words of faith, hope and love from the Bible and other carefully selected writings.
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
We should all take influenza and COVID-19 seriously; consider my suggestions, talk to your personal doctor, keep up with recommendations from your local public health professionals, and do your part to keep your family and community well.
This is usually the busiest time of the year in physician offices, urgent care clinics, emergency rooms and hospitals. This information may make this season easier for you and for your doctor.
1. If you think you have the “flu”, you probably don’t.
To many people “the flu” is any respiratory illness characterized by fever, cough, congestion, fatigue and aches. That term has become so nonspecific even we doctors use it that way. But flu refers to influenza, one of many viruses that cause illness. The other viral illnesses are “colds”, upper respiratory infections, aka URIs, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis and pneumonia.
The respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, trachea, bronchi in blue and the lungs (pink). Infections can involve the breathing organs from the nose all the way down to the lungs. (photo complimentary from Pixabay)
If your doctor thinks you have “the flu”, you probably do.
Prior to the “rapid flu” test, we doctors diagnosed influenza by the characteristic symptoms, exam, and knowing there was an outbreak in the community. The test is helpful for confirmation and patients have come to expect it now.
3. The best way to prevent influenza is by vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) , the National Foundation for Infectious Disease and other reputable medical organizations recommend vaccination against influenza.
People refuse vaccination because they believe it is ineffective, unnecessary, dangerous, toxic, unnatural, subversive, and who knows what else. I don’t think I or anyone else are going to change their minds.
My family and I always get vaccinations which have successfully protected us without side effects or adverse reactions. There are risks, just like there are with any medical procedure, or lots of other things we do in life. In this case we have decided the benefit outweighs the risk.
If you don’t want a “flu shot”, your doctor may ask you why. You may have heard misinformation that she can discuss with you.
If you want to avoid getting influenza, avoid being around people who may be infected.
This means everyone, since one may be contagious 2 to 3 days before symptoms. It’s not a coincidence that influenza outbreaks coincide with the American holiday season (approximately November through January). So to protect us all,
Stay home if you are sick, and ask your family, co-workers and employees to do the same.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wash your hands frequently.
Wash frequently touched surfaces frequently.
a common sight now in public restrooms
If you do get sick, don’t ask your doctor for an antibiotic.It will not help.
Antibiotics attack bacteria. Influenza and 99% of all respiratory illnesses are due to viruses.
There are 2 antiviral drugs that will “shorten the duration and severity of symptoms” by 1-2 days, if started early. The effectiveness is uncertain for an illness that will resolve within 10-14 days regardless. But if it gets you back to school or work a day earlier, it may be worth the cost-they are not cheap drugs.
Otherwise, the treatment is“symptomatic” or “supportive” care:
Rest; eat and drink as normally as possible; extra fluids if running a fever
You can die from influenza, but you probably won’t.
I cringed last year when a friend wrote on her social media page, “My doctor said, ‘No one dies of the flu’.”That is not correct. People die from complications of influenza, and infants, young children and the elderly have greatest risk.The most common fatal complication is bacterial pneumonia, infection in the lung. Influenza can also attack the nervous system causing brain inflammation (encephalitis and/or meningitis) and paralysis in the form of Guillain Barre syndrome .
Healthy lungs with no signs of pneumonia.
Persons with chronic illnesses like diabetes, lung disorders, depressed immune systems and cancer are at greater risk of complications and should always consult a physician if feeling ill. If you are not sure if you fall into that category, ask your doctor.
Influenza is a disease to take seriously; consider my suggestions, talk to your doctor, and stay healthy this season.
Here are some other posts about winter illness you may find helpful.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 