Flu season hits late, hits hard

Flu season has hit late this year, and it's worse than last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity increased steadily in the past month, and is widespread in most U.S. States, and increasingly in Canada.

The CDC has issued an alert stating "the number of people seeking medical care for influenza-like illness had been above the country's normal baseline for four consecutive weeks."

In Canada, FluWatch reports increased flu reports in BC and Alberta, and lesser reports in 16 other regions including Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland. As of the 3rd week of February, the most often identified and reported flu strain is the B/Malaysia (according to statistics offered by FluWatch).

While most people who catch the flu feel very sick for a few days, or eve a couple of weeks, influenza can in fact severely affect the infirm, seniors and children - and it does kill more people every year than guns.

Flu deaths in children are relatively rare " says Dr. Theresa Tam Health Canada's manager of respiratory illnesses. "But the number of children that are going to end up in a doctor's office or the hospital this season will be relatively high."

A bout of influenza is a lot worse than a "common cold" because it's contagious and could be quite serious. Every year some 1500 Canadians die of complications such as pneumonia. The flu vaccine could reduce that number by an estimated 80 per cent. If you're already suffering from conditions such as emphysema bronchitis or heart disease catching the flu could make your existing condition much worse. For the rest of us the flu is an uncomfortable but not life-threatening experience.

Influenza viruses are changing all the time. The effectiveness of a vaccine depends in part on the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses. "It does provide some protection" says Dr. Don Low chief of microbiology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto."For people who've gotten the vaccine it will probably mean if they do get influenza they'll get a milder case."

The flu is highly contagious. The best way to ensure you don't catch it is to get a flu shot. The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November. But it is never too late. You can still benefit from getting a flu shot even if the virus is already present in your community. Once you get a flu shot your body makes protective antibodies in about two weeks.

What Happens When You Get the Flu

When you get the flu your symptoms might include coughing fever chills sore throat headache and muscle aches. These symptoms can stay with you from 5 to 10 days and in many instances weakness and fatigue can linger for weeks.

People At High Risk

Everyone can benefit from a flu shot but it is particularly important that those in high risk groups protect themselves early enough in the season to build up the immunity you need to carry you through the winter months.

"Early enough means now" says Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Ontario's former Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Simply put the flu shot is the single most effective way to avoid getting the flu this winter."

Who is most at risk?

You are more apt to get the flu if you fall into any of these groups and do not get a flu shot:

people with chronic cardiac conditions or pulmonary disorders such as asthma bronchitis and cystic fibrosis
people of any age who live in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities
people 65 years of age and older
adults and children with diabetes and other metabolic diseases cancer immunodeficiency diseases renal disease or anemia
children and adolescents with conditions being treated with acetylsalicylic acid long-term
people on trips to foreign destinations where influenza is likely to be circulating.

Kids and the flu

Children get the flu more often than adults. Not only is your child more likely to contract the flu during an outbreak he or she is an effective little incubator capable of bringing the flu virus home to your family. Unfortunately that can mean spreading the flu to some people who are seriously at risk for complications such as grandparents people with respiratory conditions or even more vulnerable siblings under the age of two.

Flu shots are from 62% to 73% effective in preventing illness with fever in children
Even healthy children can become sick enough from influenza to require hospitalization
Flu shots help prevent or reduce the complications of influenza in children under two including acute middle ear infections
Flu shots help prevent or reduce the spread of influenza. While adults typically spread influenza virus for only a few days after coming in contact with it young children can spread flu from 10 days to two weeks after contact.
Flu shots for school aged children have been shown to prevent community transmission and reduce school absenteeism.
Children under nine years of age being vaccinated for the first time will need a booster shot at least one month after receiving the first.
Children and teenagers (six months to 18 years) who have been treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for long periods are at high risk of developing health complications (Reye's syndrome) if they contract influenza.

Who Shouldn't Get The Shot?

As with any other vaccine you should discuss the benefits and risks of getting the flu shot with your doctor. There are some people however who should NOT receive the vaccine. These include anyone who:

has a serious allergy to eggs or egg products
has had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or to one of its components
suffers from an acute febrile illness. You should not be vaccinated until all symptoms have abated.

By the way it is a myth that you can get the flu by having a flu shot. "The flu vaccine does not contain any live virus so you can't get the flu from the vaccine" says Colin D'Cunha.

Prevention

To keep your immune system strong so you can fight off the flu:

Get a flu shot early
Eat healthy foods exercise regularly and get adequate sleep.
Wash your hands before touching your eyes or mouth.

More Flu Facts

Think you know the truth about flu shots? Check out these facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Flu shots protect against influenza but they don't protect against other viruses that may cause flu-like symptoms such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Flu shots aren't 100 percent effective. But if you do get the flu after having had a flu shot your symptoms will likely be less severe than they would have been without the shot and your risk of hospitalization or death from infection is significantly lower.
Flu shots rarely have significant side effects. The most common side effect? A sore arm.
Flu shots can be beneficial for healthy adults and children. The benefits of flu shots aren't limited to the elderly and the sick. Even young healthy people can reap benefits from a flu shot.
Flu shots aren't for everyone. People who are allergic to eggs as well as those who are sick or who have a high fever or a history of severe reactions to flu shots shouldn't get them.
Flu shots can be given throughout the flu season. Although October and November are the best times to get the flu shot people who get the shot in the latter part of the flu season also will benefit.

Read more about Influenza or call (1-866-FLU-N YOU or 1-866-358-6968).