handwashing – watercress words by Dr Aletha

Influenza and Coronavirus

When I first published this post, I didn’t know these same basic recommendations would be helpful a fight this new and deadlier infectious disease-COVID-19 due to the SARS-CoV-2.

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 should refer to influenza, one of many viruses that cause respiratory illness.

The other viral respiratory illnesses are

rhinosinusitis, aka “colds”, upper respiratory infections-URIs,
bronchitis,
pharyngitis,
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

2. 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 but not 100 % accurate, and likely the Coronvirus test is not either.

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”, just say no. Your doctor may ask your reason, and want to discuss any inaccurate information you may have heard. Please listen.

4. Stay away from others if you are sick.

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; use your sleeve, not your hand.
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Wash your hands frequently, thoroughly, and long enough.
Wash frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant.

Hand hygiene saves lives. — a common sight now in public restrooms

5. 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 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
Non-prescription cough/congestion /pain/fever meds

Acetaminophen for aches and fever

Lozenges for sore throat, cough, and congestion

Breathing moist air with the use of a humidifier helps with cough and congestion.

(the previous are affiliate links. )

6. You can die from influenza, but you probably won’t.

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 .

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

what you really need to know

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.

Here are some previous posts about infections .