BELLA VISTA — You got your flu shot, and several days later you came down with a cough, scratchy throat and a runny nose.
The shot didn’t work, right?
Not so fast, says Dr. Mark Lee with Bella Vista Medical Center.
The symptoms noted above are more than likely an upper respiratory infection and not true influenza, he said.
The signs of influenza, most often referred to as the flu, are muscle aches, a fever of 100 degrees or higher, weakness, chills, vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea is more common in children.
Flu symptoms generally come on quickly, with little or no warning, Lee said.
Others include headache, sore throat caused by swelling, chest discomfort and cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.
While there is only one influenza virus each year, Lee said there are as many as 12 othertypes of viruses that can bring on respiratory problems.
Another difference between the two is what can happen to a person who contracts influenza.
“Flu has the ability to do great harm,” the doctor said. “It causes about 35,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.”
Those most susceptible to the flu virus are the elderly, the very young and those with weakened immune systems, Lee said. However, everybody should think about being vaccinated, he added.
The only people who might have concerns, he said, are those with egg allergies.
Lee said flu season typically runs from September through March, with the peak months being January, February and March.
The shot is designed to protect a person for up to one year. It takes about two weeks after inoculation for the immunity to build up, and it is at its strongest in the first six months, he said.
Lee recommends having the shot every flu season.
“There is a different strain of influenza that changes its face ever year,” he said.
Lee said he has not heard of any shortages of the vaccine this year.
If one does contract the flu, he or she can expect to be sick for five to seven days, the doctor said. But, a person who has been infected is a carrier of the illness for a longer period of time.
“Twenty-four hours before you have symptoms, you are shedding the virus,” he said. “You are contagious.”
If you’re sick, stay home, the doctor advised.
“Once you get it, your whole social network is at risk.”
Whether a person contracts influenza or a respiratory infection, Lee recommends staying at home and implementing symptomatic care - choosing medicines that target the actual symptoms.
For fever and chills, he suggests ibuprofen products.
Those suffering from nasal drip and stopped-up sinuses should use a decongestant.
Antihistamines are best for nasal drainage.
As for a cough and chest congestion, Lee said drink plenty of water.
“There is honestly not any over-the-counter agent that does any good based on the prescribed dosage,” he said. “A fever will cause you to lose liquids, and water will help you rehydrate and stimulate secretion flow.”
Lee said a person should only get influenza one time a year because once they become ill, they build up an immunity to that particular strain of virus.
However, it is not unusual to see people coming down with colds and upper respiratory problems two and three times a year.
To reduce the chances of contracting the flu or any airborne virus, Lee recommends people should wash their hands several times a day with warm water and antibacterial soap - or, even better, use a hand sanitizer.
“I like that better,” he said of the sanitizer, adding that it provides instant results.
The doctor also suggests not sharing drinking glasses or eating utensils, and if you have to cough or sneeze, either cover your mouth or sneeze into your arm. Neither way is going to stop all airborne germs, but it will reduce their numbers, he said.
In addition, stay away from items that could be infected, particularly those handled by someone who is sneezing or coughing.
Those germs can live outside of the body for up to two hours.
Lee said this year’s vaccine is designed to fight three different strains of influenza, including swine flu.
The bottom line, the doctor said, is to have the flu shot as a precaution against contracting the disease.
News, Pages 3 on 10/26/2011