Category: infections, vaccination, and hygiene

6 Tips to Cope During a Flu Epidemic

The post discusses influenza, emphasizing its symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention, particularly through vaccination. It acknowledges the similarities between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Xofluza are mentioned for treatment. The article promotes awareness of complications, especially for high-risk individuals, and encourages preventive measures to protect oneself and others.

updated January 27, 2026

This post was originally written and posted 2 years before we had even heard of SARS-CoV-2, aka COVID-19. Four years later, “flu” symptoms are just as likely to be due to COVID as influenza, maybe more so. Still, we need to be vigilant because neither has disappeared. This post focuses on influenza.

To many people “the flu” is any respiratory illness characterized by some combination of fever, cough, congestion, headache, fatigue,  and body aches. That term has become so nonspecific even we doctors use it that way.

But, correctly, it refers to influenza, one of many viruses that cause illness. The illnesses caused by the other viruses are “colds”, upper respiratory infections, aka URIs, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.

The human respiratory system
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)

Before the rapid flu test, using a nasal swab, we doctors diagnosed influenza by the characteristic symptoms, confirmatory findings on exam, and knowing there was an outbreak in the community.

The test is not absolutely necessary but is helpful for confirmation in the event the illness doesn’t progress as expected or to differentiate it from other illnesses, especially COVID.

Vaccination-key to prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) , the National Foundation for Infectious Disease and every other reputable medical organization recommends vaccination against influenza.

My family and I always get vaccinations which have successfully protected us without side effects or adverse reactions. There are risks, as is the case for any medical procedure, or other things we do in life. In this case we have decided the benefit outweighs the risk.

Other tips to stay well and protect others

  • Stay home if you are sick, and ask your family, co-workers and employees to do the same.
  • If you absolutely must go out among other people, put an effective mask over your nose and mouth.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces.
Hand hygiene saves lives.
a common sight now in public restrooms

    Antiviral (influenza) medications

    Tamiflu

    The antiviral drug Tamiflu, generic oseltamivir,  will “shorten the duration and severity of symptoms” by 1-2 days, if started early (within 24-48 hours). There is some evidence that it will also lessen the risk of serious complications , especially in higher risk people (see below ).

    I warn people that even with Tamiflu they will still feel miserable for a few days. But if it gets you back to school or work a day earlier, it may be worth the cost.

    Oseltamivir can also be prescribed for prevention, if you know you have had close contact with someone with confirmed influenza, such as a household member. It’s only effective though for that episode, a 10 day course taken as soon as possible after exposure.

    Xofluza

    Xofluza, generic baloxavir, is for treatment of uncomplicated influenza for children and adults 12 years and older, who have been sick for no more than 48 hours. Patients take 2 tablets as a single dose. It can also be used post exposure .

    Relenza

    Relenza, generic zanamivir, is a dry powder that is inhaled twice daily for 5 days or daily for prevention

    Peramivir

    Peramivir (Rapivab): A single-dose intravenous (IV) injection for 6 months and older, typically only used for patients needing admission to a hospital . 

    Home care of influenza

    • Rest; eat and drink as normally as possible; extra fluids if running a fever 
    • Non-prescription cough/congestion /pain/fever meds

    Don’t confuse Tamiflu (generic oseltamivir) a prescription anti-viral drug with Theraflu, an over the counter drug that treats symptoms.Theraflu does not affect the course of the illness.

    Here are more  general guidelines  on what to do if you get a respiratory illness from FamilyDoctor.org.

    Flu complications

      Influenza causes uncomfortable disabling symptoms but most people recover fairly quickly and fully. In some cases influenza can progress rapidly and overwhelm the respiratory and/or nervous systems,  leading to death.

      People also 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 .

      an xray of healthy lungs with no signs of pneumonia.
      Healthy lungs with no signs of pneumonia.

      High risk persons-take influenza seriously

      Persons with chronic illnesses like diabetes, lung disorders, chronic liver or kidney disease, depressed immune systems and cancer , as well as infants and persons of advanced age 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.

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      Don’t Drink the Water- How to Avoid Water-related Illness

      In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.

      You’ve probably heard the advice “Don’t drink the water” when you travel to less developed areas of the world. But water can make you sick even without drinking it.

      Illness from Contact with Water

      Bacteria and other disease-causing organisms can be transmitted by swimming and other water-related sports

      • in private and public pools
      • recreational freshwater and oceans
      • hot tubs, splash pads, water parks
      • decorative fountains

      Drinking, inhaling, and direct contact with water contaminated with a variety of bugs can cause a wide range of illnesses, most of which are preventable. Here is an overview of common conditions to watch out for.

      Drowning

      The most serious risk of water is drowning or near-drowning, with 3,300 deaths and another 5,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.

      Children are especially at risk of drowning. Teaching children to swim as early as practical and supervising them around pools and other bodies of water are critical to prevention.

      Drowning Prevention

      • Learn basic swimming and water safety skills
      • Build fences that fully enclose pools
      • Wear a life jacket
      • continue reading at the link
      caution signs at a swimming pool.
      Drowning can be prevented by following rules.

      Gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) Illnesses-

      Symptoms
      • Nausea,
      • vomiting,
      • diarrhea,
      • cramps,
      • fever
      Causes
      stream with a kayak
      Water in creeks, streams, and rivers is not safe to swallow.

      Respiratory (nose, throat, lungs) illnesses

      Symptoms
      • cough,
      • nasal/sinus congestion,
      • ear pain/fullness,fever
      Swimmer’s Ear
      Causes-
      • pool chemicals
      • Legionella and other bacteria
      rapids in a stream

      Skin Conditions

      Symptoms–
      • rash,
      • redness,
      • itching,
      • burning
      Causes –

      Most of these conditions resolve without treatment, or are treatable with appropriate antibiotics.

      two people dangling their legs into a pool.
      Don’t let water related illness spoil your summer fun. photo from stock photo site- Lightstock.com- affiliate link

      Serious but Rare

      Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but deadly sinus-related infection caused by Naegleria fowleri in freshwater and soil 

      Leptospirosis is another brain infection caused by a group of spirochetes known collectively as leptospires. It is also infrequent.

      Preventing Water-related Infection

      1. Don’t drink water used for recreation even if treated with chlorine.
      2. Children younger than five years should not use hot tubs.
      3. Persons with diarrhea or recent diarrhea infection should not swim for one week after symptoms have cleared.
      4. Swimmers should shower before using a hot tub or pool.
      5. Don’t swim with open wounds, or use waterproof bandage if you do. .
      6. Learn more and get more tips on staying well at these links from

      drawing of a child standing on a diving board at a pool
      from the American Academy of Family Physicians

      from American Family Physician

      Waterborne Illnesses

      Talk to your doctor if you have bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than a week, or a cough with fever. See your doctor right away if you have more serious symptoms, such as fever and a stiff neck after swimming in a freshwater pond, or a bad skin infection with fever. Be sure to tell your doctor that you’ve been in the water.

      Safe Surfing

      Sharks very rarely attack people. Common sense can protect you from most shark attacks. Do not go into the water if sharks have been reported in your area. Do not surf if you are bleeding or have open cuts. If you see a shark, get out of the water. Do not try to touch the shark. Get help right away if you think you have been bitten.

      Sea Creature Injuries and Fish Poisoning

      To avoid ciguatera poisoning, don’t eat the fish that often carry the ciguatera toxin. This includes amberjack, grouper, snapper, sturgeon, king mackerel, barracuda, and moray eel.

      in a Key West Florida art shop

      At Smithsonian, learn about

      8 diseases to watch out for at the beach 

      man and woman next to a wooden boat on a beach
      My husband and I are enjoying the beach on our last day in Zanzibar

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      I took all of the photos in this post except the cover photo. It and another one are from Lightstock, credited in the caption.

      I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

      I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

      Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

      I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

      Dr. Aletha