The Flu is Coming!

Have you noticed the days are getting shorter, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and the temperature is dropping? Winter is here and the change of season brings good memories for many people. It also brings the flu. So, pull out those sweaters and jackets, dust off the umbrella, and go get a flu shot.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus that is easily spread from one person to another. These days you might hear about the "bird flu" which has infected over 200 people in Southeast Asia and killed half of them. The "bird flu" is different than what we see every winter. Seasonal flu happens every year in the United States and kills 36,000 people, most of whom are over 65 years old. The flu also puts 200,000 people in the hospital and causes millions of people to miss school and work. It is a yearly part of our lives and can be prevented with a flu shot.

If you get sick in the winter, how do you know if it is the flu or not? There are many infections that can look like the flu. Typically, a person infected with the flu has fevers, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches. Sound familiar? If you have signs of the flu it is best to stay home so as not to spread the infection. Most people with the flu get better after a few days at home and never need to see a doctor. However, if you are sick for several days and are not getting better or have severe problems, such as trouble breathing, then it is always best to contact your doctor.

The following are important tips to decrease the spread of flu:

frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap

cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve, tissues or handkerchiefs (not your hands)

do not send sick children to school or day care

adults experiencing flu symptoms should not go to work to avoid spreading the virus

drink plenty of water and maintain good nutrition

Nobody likes getting a shot, but the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. Anyone can get one. This year we expect a large supply of vaccine which should be widely available.

Certain people are especially at risk for complications from the flu and are greatly encouraged to get a flu shot, including:

persons aged 50 years and older

residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

people of any age who have chronic conditions, including asthma, diabetes, lung disease, and cardiac conditions

pregnant women in any stage of pregnancy

children aged 6 months to 5 years

out-of-home care-givers for children under 6 months old

healthcare providers, with direct patient care, especially those who work with bone marrow transplant patients

I hope to see you happy and healthy this winter and free from the flu. For more information, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov or contact your local provider.

Byline/Bio:

Ronald W. Chapman, MD, MPH, Health Officer/Deputy Director, Solano County Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, (707) 784-8600.

The Solano Coalition for Better Health (Coalition) is a countywide nonprofit organization comprised of healthcare providers, county health and social services, educational institutions, community organizations, and neighborhood advocates. Since its inception in 1988, the Coalition has developed successful programs and effective partnerships that have improved the health of Solano County residents.