Category: prevention and fitness

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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      Mammograms-who, when, and why

      breast cancer screening reminder-who needs it and when #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

      During Breast Cancer Awareness Month I want to remind you of physician recommendations for screening. Currently, the only test recommended for screening is mammography.

      a woman having a mammogram done by a technician
      image used courtesy of the Public Health Image Library, CDC

      No other test has evidence that its use will decrease breast cancer deaths, although they may be useful for diagnosis in women who have breast symptoms.

      These guidelines for screening  apply only to women at average risk of breast cancer, which is most women. They do not apply to women who have ever been diagnosed and/or treated for breast cancer, or to women who currently have symptoms related to their breasts, such as a lump, pain, discharge, or skin changes.

      Guidelines for screening come chiefly from two organizations- The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Other organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) , of which I am a member, usually follow their recommendations .

       guidelines from the ACS

      • Offer annual screening to women age 40 to 44 years.
      • Perform a mammogram annually in women 45 to 54 years.
      • Perform a mammogram annually or every other year starting at age 55 years.
      • Continue screen mammography as long as a woman’s overall health is good, with a life expectancy of 10 years or longer.
      • Routine breast exams by either the patient  or a physician are not recommended.

       guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)  

      • For ages 40-49 years, individualize the decision to screen every 2 years
      • For ages 50-74 years, screen every 2 years
      • For ages 75 years and older there is no recommendation.

      Both organizations recommend that physicians discuss the decision to screen or not to screen with patients and base the decision after considering possible harms versus potential benefit.These are guidelines for physicians to apply to each individual patient, not hard and fast rules.

      a mammogram image
      a mammogram revealing a breast cancer image source- National Library of Medicine, Open-i

      Screening guidelines  are not used for high risk women- women with 

      • a history of previous breast cancer or ovarian cancer
      • a suspected or confirmed genetic mutation , BRCA, known to increase breast cancer risk
      • a history of radiation to the chest
      • a close family history of breast history, usually meaning parent, sibling, child, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or first cousin.

      Breast cancer in young women can be hereditary.
      graphic courtesy of the CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

      Screening guidelines also do not apply to women with breast symptoms suggestive of cancer.

      • a lump in the breast or axilla (armpit)
      • pain, especially in only one breast
      • nipple discharge
      • persistent rash or skin changes over the breast

      These women need appropriate diagnostic testing which might include

      • mammography,
      • ultrasound,
      • MRI, 
      • biopsy. 

      Here are sources for more information

      Breast Cancer

      “Both women and men can get breast cancer, though it is much more common in women. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.”

      Mammography 

      “You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of mammograms. Together, you can decide when to start and how often to have a mammogram.”

      Screening Guidelines

      “Mammograms are not perfect tests. They can miss some cancers, and they can find lesions that may look like cancers but are not actually cancers (false-positive results), resulting in additional testing and procedures. They can also find very low-risk cancers that would never have caused any health problems if they were never found or treated (overdiagnosis).”

      Breast cancer screening benefits and harms 

      “Each woman also has different personal values, especially toward the idea of unnecessary medical tests and treatments.

      Talk to your doctor if you are younger than 50 years and have questions about whether you should get a mammogram.”

       

       

       

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