By DENNIS B. WOO, M.D. Special to the Daily Press
With the holiday season fast approaching, another annual ritual looms — flu season. Although its timing varies from year to year, flu season usually begins in November and runs through February or March.
Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms usually begin abruptly and may include a fever that spikes suddenly, severe headaches, muscle aches and chills. Other symptoms may include runny nose, cough, sore throat and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
The flu spreads person to person via direct contact, such as through a sneeze or handshake. Remind your children — and yourself — to practice frequent hand washing to try to prevent the spread of germs.
The flu that spreads each year is not directly related to the avian (bird) flu, which has captured widespread media attention recently during talk about a potential pandemic. The bird flu does not pass easily from person to person and has not been reported in the United States. Thus far, almost all of the known cases are the result of contact between a human and an infected fowl.
For most people, the flu lasts only for a few days. However, some people get much sicker from the virus. It can lead to pneumonia and be extremely dangerous for the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. It also can cause high fever and seizures in children.
The best way to prevent the flu is with a flu shot. There are two types of influenza vaccine: An inactivated vaccine, given as a shot, and a live, weakened virus sprayed into the nostrils. The shots have been used for years, while the spray was licensed for use in 2003. The spray can be given only to healthy people ages 5 to 49.
The vaccines prevent the flu virus for which they were created to combat. However, they will not prevent influenza-like illnesses caused by other viruses. That’s why some people mistakenly believe they got the flu from a flu vaccine. In reality, they caught a different virus or were exposed before the vaccine took effect — it takes about two weeks to develop full protection. Because influenza viruses change from year to year, influenza vaccines are made annually to protect against the strains that are most likely to circulate during the upcoming season. The vaccines can provide protection for up to one year.
Generally, the vaccine is recommended for people at risk of serious illness from the flu or its complications, and for people who can spread the flu to those at high risk. These groups include: ■ All children ages 6 to 23 months. ■ People age 65 or older. ■ People with chronic health problems, including heart, lung and kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia and other blood disorders. ■ People with conditions that can cause breathing problems. ■ People with weakened immune systems. ■ Children ages 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin treatment. ■ Women who will be pregnant during flu season. ■ Physicians, nurses, family members, caregivers and others in close contact with people at risk of serious illness.
The vaccine also is recommended for adults age 50 to 64 and others who want to reduce their risk of catching the flu. It cannot, however, be given to people who are allergic to eggs or are currently ill from a cold or flu.
The nasal spray vaccine, called FluMist, is an option for healthy people ages 5 to 49. The vaccine is administered with two quick sprays into the nostril. It provides about the same protection as the shot. However, it cannot be given to pregnant women, and is more expensive than a flu shot.
Still not sure if you or your child should get vaccinated via a flu shot or nasal spray? Talk to your doctor, your child’s pediatrician or other health-care provider. And remember to wash your hands. (Dr. Dennis Woo is a pediatrician with the UCLA Medical Group in Santa Monica and chair of the pediatrics department at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. To find a pediatrician or other physician with the UCLA Medical Group, visit the UCLA Healthcare Web site at www.healthcare.ucla.edu or call (800) UCLA- MD1.)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 8, 2005. Read the original PDF.