Flu Season!

It is around that time of the year again when people go get flu shots, flu season.  When I was young, I used to hate flu season because of the impending dread of having to get a flu shot.  How exactly do shot's help people anyway?  Most of the time, I still end up getting sick after getting a flu shot.  Now, there is a new way to get vaccinated from the flu, the FluMist® (which is a nasal spray)!  The FluMist® was meant for kids who are scared of getting a shot.  But it doesn't seem like it would be as effective as a shot, right?  Doctors always promote preparing for the flu season by taking preventives such as getting a flu shot or mist, however to better prepare myself and others, it would be nice to know exactly what they do to prevent getting the flu and the differences between them. Hopefully, this will provide all the information people need to know for the flu season!

What is the Flu?

 The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious, respiratory disease that is caused by influenza viruses depicted above.  One might ask, "What is the difference between the cold and the flu"?  Both are respiratory diseases and the main difference is that the cold is much more mild than the flu.  While symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough, colds generally cause only a stuffy or runny nose.  Another major difference is that the flu can cause serious health issues that can result in pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization.  The flu is spread from person to person through tiny droplets that are made from coughing, sneezing or talking.  The virus can spread to people within six feet of an ill person.  It is very easy to get the flu from inhaling the virus or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus.  People can spread the flu one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.  To avoid getting the flu, it is essential to wash your hands often and avoid contact with public surfaces as it may have the flu virus on it.

Prevention

Avoiding contact with sick people or dirty surfaces may help one avoid catching the flu, however it is best to get a flu shot every season.  This is because every year, the flu virus may mutate and change.  When this happens, the previous flu vaccine may not be effective against the new strain of the flu.  Generally, everyone above the age of six months should get a flu shot, however certain people are advised not to.  For example, people with severe reactions to eggs, people who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past, and people who are already sick should not get a flu shot.  For more information regarding who should or should not get a flu shot, click here!

The flu shot is a vaccine made of dead influenza viruses.  Since the flu shot is made from dead influenza viruses, people will not get the flu from the vaccine, however as a side effect, a person who receives a vaccination may become slightly sick.  This is because the immune system may be already weak and may be susceptible to other viruses.  Also, like all medications, the flu vaccine may cause allergic reactions although it is rare.  Other side effects include soreness, a low fever, and aches.  Despite these side effects, it is definitely still worth it to get the flu shot.

The nasal mist, FluMist®, is made of weakened instead of dead influenza viruses.  Despite that the virus is not dead, it has shown to be more effective in children aged 15-85 months.  Children less than two years of age are advised against the nasal spray and are encouraged to get the flu shot.  Side effects can include runny nose, headache, wheezing, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever.

Treatment

Prevention didn't work?  Not to fear, the flu can be treated with antiviral drugs that fight against the influenza viruses.  Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and a doctor's prescription is required in order to obtain it.  If one believes that he or she may have the flu, it is best to consult with their doctor to confirm it and so that he or she may be prescribed medicine to help combat the virus.

Have a happy flu season!