KINGSTON, R.I., January 18, 2018 \u2014Thanks in part to an early-winter cold snap that saw temperatures plummeting into the single digits and people huddling close indoors for warmth, the flu season is seeing an early peak that is likely to extend into April. And while there\u2019s no cause to panic over headlines warning of a \u201cwidespread,\u201d potentially deadly outbreak, there is a need to take precautions to stay healthy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so much attention on it, but it\u2019s not a new problem,\u201d Virginia Lemay, clinical associate professor in the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ College of Pharmacy, said of recent news reports. \u201cThere are deaths every year, but once the flu season is in its peak, that\u2019s when people pay more attention to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That peak came early this year as cold weather sent more people indoors, in closer quarters with others, allowing the communicable disease to thrive. State departments of health, including Rhode Island\u2019s, have issued public warnings over the \u201csignificant increase\u201d in the virus in early January, about a month sooner than average. The early peak \u2014 while likely extending the worst of the flu season \u2014 has the advantage of focusing people on preventative measures.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor most people, the flu is just the flu. You might feel achy from head to toe, but you\u2019ll feel better within a week,\u201d Lemay said. \u201cBut for the very old, the very young, or anyone otherwise ill, it can be much more serious. The healthier the general population can keep themselves, the better we can protect the vulnerable. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for everyone to get a flu shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
The flu vaccine is the best \u2014 and only \u2014 real protection people have against influenza. Contrary to some beliefs, the flu shot cannot cause a recipient to get the flu. And while it is not 100 percent effective, the vaccine protects against most flu strains and helps one\u2019s immune system better fight the virus if it does take hold.<\/p>\n
The flu shot is not just for those traditionally at risk. Even young, healthy individuals with no high-risk factors like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a compromised immune system must be vaccinated not just for their own health, but also to prevent spreading the virus to others, a particular concern on a college campus where students live in close proximity. With nearly three months to go in the flu season, health experts are urging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the best defense we have. Not only will it help prevent the flu, it will help the body respond to it better,\u201d Lemay said. \u201cThere is no shortage of flu shots; all community pharmacists may immunize at any time, day or night. And the flu shot does no harm. There is literally no reason not to get it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patients with a high risk factor who contract the flu should see their doctor right away to get anti-viral medication like Tamiflu, Lemay said. Traditional antibiotics combat bacteria and do nothing against viruses such as the flu. Those without risk factors can also take anti-viral medications, but, like all medicines, they come with side effects and are effective only within the first 48 hours of contracting the flu, said Lemay, who advised calling your doctor rather than going to a hospital emergency room.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is very contagious; you can put other people in the ER at risk of getting it,\u201d Lemay said. \u201cIf you have a high risk factor, you need to go to the doctor right away. Otherwise, it\u2019s usually best to stay home, take fever reducers, stay hydrated and get lots of sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
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