Flu Season

Among the many viruses we see causing respiratory illness right now, the influenza virus (commonly called "the flu") can be particularly severe. Infection with the influenza virus causes a sudden onset of fever, chills, dry cough, and muscle aches. Other symptoms include headache, fatigue, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

Some children are at increased risk of more serious illness from influenza, because of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, immunity problems, or being treated with immune-suppressing medications and children under 2 years of age.  They are especially vulnerable to complications and, if over the age of 6 months, should get vaccinated as soon as possible. 

For most everyone, treatment is supportive.  In other words medicines like Tylenol and Ibuprofen to address the fever, sore throat and body aches and plenty of rest and fluids.  But in severe cases hospitalization may be necessary to provide oxygen and other supportive measures.  Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an option for those listed above who are at increased risk of severe disease.  Tamiflu very minimally decreases the likelihood of coming down with flu if exposed, but it is not a panacea.  When exposed to flu, Tamiflu reduces risk of contracting flu from 5.6% to 2.6% (3% reduction) or from 17% to 3.4% (13% reduction) for exposure to a direct household flu contact.  Tamiflu can also can be used to treat the flu if given within the first few days of illness.  However, when used to treat an influenza infection, it reduces the duration of the disease by only 1/2 to 1 day.  In addition, Tamiflu has the very common side effect of causing nausea and vomiting, especially in children.  There are other more serious side effects including seizures and hallucinations, that, although uncommon, are even more problematic and why we reserve the use of Tamiflu to just those patients at highest risk.

The best thing you can do to prevent severe illness in your children is to get them the flu vaccine!  If your children have not yet had the flu vaccine this year, we are still offering it - and it will have protective effects within a few weeks of receiving the vaccination.  If your child does contract influenza and you are worried that they are in need of supportive measures that you are unable to provide, call the office to talk with our nurses, schedule an appointment or come to our walk-in clinic weekday mornings at 7:30am.