It’s Time To Test Your Flu IQ

By Bruce S. Auerbach, M.D.

Even as infectious diseases like West Nile virus, Lyme disease and EEE still command attention, we’re now in the early stages of the flu season, and it’s not too late to remind ourselves about this annual public health threat. Test your flu IQ with these 10 questions and answers.

How serious is the flu?
Seasonal flu affects 5 to 20 percent of the population and accounts for some 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations annually. In the last five years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded more than 400 flu-related deaths of children, one of the most vulnerable groups. Lost work time and added hospital and health care costs add to the impact of this disease.

How is the flu spread?
Contagion is principally by coughing and sneezing, as respiratory droplets spread from person to person. It may also be spread by touching droplets on another person or object and then touching one’s mouth or nose. Note these cautions: A person can also infect someone else before feeling sick, as the virus can spread one day before symptoms develop, and it can spread up to five days after getting sick.

What kinds of complications can arise?
Bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and dehydration are common complications. People with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and congestive heart failure will see those conditions aggravated, posing serious threats to health. CDC estimates that during flu epidemics, for example, death rates among people with diabetes jump by 5 to 15 percent.  

Who should get vaccinated?
CDC recommends annual vaccinations for children age 6 months to 19 years; pregnant women; people 50 years and older; anyone with chronic medical conditions; people in nursing homes and long-term care facilities; and those who live with or care for those at high risk. But anyone wanting to reduce their chances of getting sick should get a shot.

Who should not be vaccinated?
Vaccination is not recommended for people with allergies to chicken eggs (the source of vaccines), those who’ve had a severe reaction to prior vaccinations, people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (an immune system disorder) within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine, and children less than 6 months of age.

What are the best preventive measures?
The best protection is vaccination. The flu shot with a needle is approved for people 6 months and older. Nasal-spray vaccines are approved for healthy people age 2 to 49 who are not pregnant. Habits are critically important, too. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands often or using hand sanitizers. Control your coughing and sneezing by covering your mouth or sneezing into your arm or sleeve and not in anyone’s direction. Keep children home if they’re sick, don’t go to work if you’re sick, and don’t share items, like glasses or cups, which can spread germs and viruses.

When should I get a flu shot? 
Get one as soon as vaccine is available. September or October is best. But as the flu season can last into April or May, so vaccination in December and January is still effective. Check with your doctor if you didn’t get one early. Getting vaccinated quickly is best for children who are being protected for the first time, because they need two doses at least four weeks apart.

How long does a shot last?
A flu shot lasts for about year, and while it offers protection through the flu season, you should get a shot every year because the virus changes every year. And no, you won’t get the flu by getting a flu shot.

Is there enough vaccine this year and where can I get a shot?
Manufacturers estimate that a record 146 million doses will be available in the United States for the 2008-2009 season. Check with your physician or local board of health to see when and where flu vaccine and clinics will be available. 

How can I learn more?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (www.mass.gov/dph/flu) and the CDC (www.cdc.gov/flu) have lots of information on seasonal flu, including recommendations on what to do if you get sick, emergency warning signs for children and adults, and the use of antiviral drugs in fighting the flu. You can download free information from both sites.

(Dr. Auerbach, is president of the Massachusetts Medical Society and Vice President of Emergency and Ambulatory Services at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. This article is part of the Physician Focus series, a public service of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Readers should use their own judgment when seeking medical care and consult with their physician for treatment. Send comments to PhysicianFocus@mms.org.