Dear Dr. Jeff: I think I have the flu?bad. Should I come in to the Health Center for some antibiotics? A.P.
Dear A.P.: It is definitely flu season, here at Bowdoin, and it's proving to be a fairly rough one because of the shortage of flu vaccine.
Let's review the basics. The "flu" is caused by one of the Influenza viruses, and is different from the "common cold". Flu usually comes on suddenly, and has as hallmark symptoms fever, body aches, headache, tiredness, sore throat, and dry cough. The rapid onset of symptoms, and the significant fever, body aches and fatigue all distinguish flu from a cold. The flu usually makes you feel much worse than a cold (Texans have described it as 'Having been 'et by a coyote and "pooped" off a cliff.') I probably don't need to tell you that, A.P.!
Tens of millions of Americans come down with the flu every year, and over 200,000 have to be admitted to the hospital for treatment of complications. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections.
The flu is very contagious. You usually start to feel sick a day or two after you've been infected with the virus, but you can start spreading it to others even before you feel sick, and then for a week or so after.
Influenza viruses are spread primarily though the respiratory droplets broadcast into the air by sneezes and coughs. Droplets that land on your hands or clothing can also be transferred to another by simple mechanical contact.
Getting a flu shot is the single best way to prevent getting the flu. Obviously, this was not an option for lots of us this year.
The spread of flu can be significantly reduced by taking following measures:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze?and throw the tissue away after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, use your elbow, not your hand, to cover your nose and mouth. Try to minimize touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way, too. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners work just as well. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. Take off the time from classes and activities so that you get enough rest to recover. You'll also help prevent others from getting sick, too.
For the vast majority of us, however unpleasant, the flu is a brief and self-limited acute illness without serious consequence. Treatment is largely symptomatic and supportive: plenty of fluids; rest; avoidance of alcohol and tobacco; Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen (not Aspirin) for the fever, aches, and pains?best taken on a schedule, four or three times a day, respectively; and decongestants and cough remedies as needed.
Antibiotics are not helpful in uncomplicated influenza because they have no effect on viruses. There are antivirals, which can be taken for influenza, and which, if started within the first 2 days of illness, may somewhat decrease the intensity of symptoms and shorten their duration by a day or two.
So, A.P., when should you come into the Health Center with the flu? If you have a fever greater than 100 and those awful body aches, give us a call and we'll try to get you in that day. If you don't have a fever and body aches, stop by to pick up cold care supplies in our Self Care Room. If your illness has drawn on too long, or if you're developing any signs of bronchitis, pneumonia or ear infections, come on in. And if you're not sure, just give us a call anyway!
Rest up and feel better soon?and wash those hands!
Jeff Benson, MD
Dudley Coe Health Center