Doctor: Local Flu Cases On The Rise

January 19, 2015

The United States is currently in the middle of the annual flu season and many parts of the country, including the Southeast, are experiencing high levels of flu activity.

“Across the Unites States, hospitals are seeing more than double the number of flu-related admissions than last year,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mary Graves, department head, Preventive Medicine, Naval Hospital Pensacola.

The flu season typically runs from October through April, but it is not always predictable. According to the Center for Disease Control, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu every year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications.

According to Graves, there have been 55 deaths in Escambia County in the past five years related to the flu. The majority of the deaths were with the elderly, but complications from the flu can occur at any age and are often preventable.

To help combat the likelihood of contracting the flu, the CDC and Naval Hospital Pensacola recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot.

“A common myth is that the flu shot will give you the flu, but that cannot happen,” said Graves. “Some people may experience some fatigue after receiving the flu shot, but that is because the body is producing antibodies to fight the flu and that can make you feel a little rundown.”

While the flu vaccine will not protect against every strain, the vaccine will help protect against multiple strains of the flu that are circulating this year and can help reduce serious outcomes such as hospitalization. The flu vaccine will also help with the recovery of the flu, even if it’s one of the strains not covered in this year’s flu vaccine because the vaccine helps the body build antibodies that can combat multiple strains of the flu.

“Even though the strains don’t match exactly this year, getting vaccinated will still give a person partial protection,” said Graves. “The vaccine will reduce the severity of symptoms and result in fewer days being sick and less time lost to work or normal activities.”

Common flu symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue. Most people will recover from the flu after a few days and usually do not need prescribed medications to recover.

“If you feel flu symptoms coming on, drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest,” said Cmdr. Kim Toone, associate director for public health, NHP. “You can also take an over the counter decongestant or pain reliever to help as well.”

People at risk of flu-related complications include pregnant women, children under the age of 2, elderly people over 65 and patients with chronic health problems such as asthma, heart disease and a weakened immune system. Anyone that falls into one of these categories should contact their health care provider as soon as they begin to feel flu symptoms.

“If you are a high-risk beneficiary, please get your flu vaccine,” said Toone, “and contact your health care provider as soon as you feel flu symptoms developing to discuss other treatment options that may be beneficial.”

In addition to receiving the flu vaccine, there are additional precautions that people can take to prevent the flu. These simple precautions include avoiding close contact with those that are infected with the flu, staying home when sick, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, washing hands regularly, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

“Proper hand hygiene and immunizations are a great way to prevent infections and diseases anytime, not just during the flu season,” said Sheila Jones, infection prevention program manager, NHP.

Story by Jason Bortz, Naval Hospital Pensacola

Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class James Stenberg for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News