Flu season is now in full swing with people hospitalized and critically ill. That’s why doctors at local AFC Doctors Express urgent care centers urge local families to get their flu shots now as the disease goes … well, viral. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports this flu season may become severe with young people hit harder than in years past. Colder temperatures keeping folks cooped up in close quarters means germs will spread quickly, and that’s a prescription for danger.
“With this strain of flu threatening the young, it’s imperative families get a flu shot; it’s the best way to reduce your risk of catching the virus,” says D. Bruce Irwin, M.D., owner and founder of American Family Care centers. “Based on what we’re seeing so far, this flu will be very different than last year. We expect to see many more flu cases in younger children and younger and middle-aged adults.”
“The CDC recently added Texas to its widespread flu activity list, and we’re definitely seeing a surge in people coming in to AFC Doctors Express looking for treatment for symptoms. It’s not too late to get your flu shot, though, so it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the flu,” said Beata Toth, owner of AFC/Doctors Express Dallas.
Flu Strikes New Victims
Last year, the dominant flu strain was H3N2 that tended to hit older people.
This year, the predominant flu strain in the U.S. is H1N1 , the same virus that caused the international pandemic in 2009-2010. That flu hit younger children, and younger and middle-aged adults. The CDC estimates that 284,000 people died worldwide during that flu season. This year’s flu vaccine should offer good protection against this flu strain.
The H1N1 strain can be cut short by antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu because they haven’t developed much resistance to these drugs. If you suspect you have the flu, doctors say you should be treated, especially if you have serious medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
“The recent cold weather, coupled with the surge in flu activity, has really impacted our area. The easiest way to combat the flu is to come in and get a flu shot. People should also avoid others who are showing flu-like symptoms, and be sure to wash their hands when they come in contact with public spaces,” said Dr. Donald Dunlap, doctor with AFC/Doctors Express Dallas.
Flu Shot Fast Facts:
- You are 60 percent less likely to need treatment for the flu if you get a flu shot. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the shot can also reduce illness, antibiotic use, time lost from work, hospitalizations and deaths.
- You can get a flu shot even if you’re feeling mildly sick. Health and Human Services advises thatpeople with mild respiratory illnesses can still get the vaccine. Those with fevers should wait until the fever has broken to get the vaccine. If nasal congestion is a problem, wait until the congestion has cleared before getting a nasal-administered vaccine.
- Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine.
- The CDC is recommending the flu shot to anyone older than 6 months.
- Pediatricians typically offer vaccines for children only. Pharmacies typically offer vaccines for only for adults. AFC Doctors Express Centers offer one-stop-flu shots and mists for the entire family – both children and adults. (ages of children vaccinated vary by center.)
Even with a vaccination, you still need to protect yourself – here are a few tips to beat the bug:
- Bring your own pen – to the bank, grocery store, even to touch the ATM. Anything a sick person touches can get infested with germs, including money, mail, ATM keypads, elevator buttons, etc.
- Use paper – replace hand towels in bathrooms with paper towels. They’re not as pretty, but paper towels can help get rid of a ton of germs that live in damp towels.
- Wash hands frequently – use soap, warm water and rinse long enough to say the alphabet or sing “Happy Birthday.” Recent studies show plain soap and water works just fine.
- Use a proper hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) anytime you touch anything. Make sure you use sanitizer, even under fingernails, where germs hide.
- Clean with disinfectant – viruses and bacteria can live up to two hours or longer on doorknobs, toys, TV remote controls, keyboards, mouse pads, refrigerator handles, counter tops, railings, faucets, bathroom floors and more.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services, Infectious Disease Foundation and AFC/Doctors Express Dallas
