It’s flu season again, and everyone has their own ideas of how to stay healthy and how to get better once they do get sick. But after a while, you might not know what to believe. Dr. Carlos E. Licon, family medicine physician of MedFirst Hausman, can answer your questions to separate fact from myth about the dreaded flu bug.
TxMD: What is the flu?
Dr. Licon: The flu is a generic term that could indicate one of many different viruses that infect the body and cause fever, chills, aches and pains, headache, head congestion, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. Flu symptoms can last up to two weeks, but you could be contagious a day before showing symptoms and for 5-7 days after your symptoms start.
TxMD: How serious is the flu?
Dr. Licon: The range of severity depends on the type of virus, its longevity and the health of the patient. Flu viruses seem to be more serious for people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and young children. The percentages of people who die from complications due to the flu vary each season, but it is a very low percent.
TxMD: Who should get the flu shot?
Dr. Licon: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone from six months and older should get the flu shot each year.
TxMD: If I get the flu shot, can I catch the flu from it?
Dr. Licon: No, the flu vaccine is rendered harmless. If you get sick after getting the flu shot, it was because your body was already fighting the virus. It takes about two weeks for the antibiodies to develop to protect you from the flu.
TxMD: When should I get the flu shot?
Dr. Licon: You can get the flu shot in October or throughout the winter months. The flu season usually peaks in January, so it is good to get it before then. The vaccine covers six months.
TxMD: Will the shot keep me healthy?
Dr. Licon: Each year, the vaccine is newly developed to combat the top three or four viruses that are predicted as being the problems for this season. It is possible to contract a virus that is not covered by the composition of the current flu shot.
TxMD: I’d rather have the flu than a needle. What should I do?
Dr. Licon: Nasal sprays with the vaccine in them are a viable option for those who don’t want a shot. Just ask your provider for it.
TxMD: Besides the flu shot, what else can I do to protect against the flu?
Dr. Licon: It is believed that flu germs are transmitted through the air to the vulnerable entrances to the body – your eyes, nose and mouth. If you can, refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth when you’ve been in public. The best thing you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Some people like to keep hand sanitizer in their car or purse if they can’t get to a sink. This is fine, but find a sink as soon as possible since hand washing is proven more effective at killing germs. People with suppressed immune systems may choose to wear a mask in public to protect against germs. Regular exercise keeps your immune system strong and may help you stay away from sickness.
TxMD: I’m sick, what should I do?
Dr. Licon: There’s no point in asking for antibiotics when you have the flu since they won’t combat a virus. If you develop secondary symptoms caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia, then it is possible to use antibiotics to fight those infections. If taken within the first two days of the flu, anti-viral medicine from your doctor can cut down the length of time that you suffer from the flu. Otherwise, follow mom’s advice of getting plenty of fluids, take some Vitamin C, take some decongestants if you need them, take a lukewarm bath for fevers, and get lots of rest. Avoid exercise while your body is recovering.
This season, squash the flu bug by getting the flu shot and by developing careful hand-washing habits. When sickness strikes, Dr. Carlos Licon is here to help and is fluent in English and Spanish.
For more information, to make an appointment for a flu shot, or a sick visit call 210.453.1199 or visit MedFirst Hausman at 8230 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 218 in San Antonio, TX 78249.
Recent Comments