Shoo Flu--Don't Bother Me

There's something in the air this month--and its definitely not pretty. We were warned that this year would be a bad one for the flu, and as we're getting to the peak flu season (January and February), I think we can all agree they were right. America has been bombed with the influenza outbreak--at least 47 states have been affected, some worse than others--Boston even declared a public health emergency. To help you and your family stay healthy this season, read on to get an idea of how viruses are spread, why the flu shot isn't 100% effective, and what you can do to make next year's flu season less risky.

What is the Flu?

First of all, lets distinguish what we mean when we say the flu. A common misconception many people have is thinking of the flu as the stomach bug commonly referred to as the stomach flu, or Gastroenteritis--a lovely period of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and overall crappiness. The other flu people refer to, and the reason for the flu shot, is influenza--the virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs and leads to fever, muscle aches, coughing and congestion. Influenza can be a very scary thing for children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and those with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, and heart and lung disease as it can easily lead to severe respiratory complications (like pneumonia)--so it is extremely important to take the steps necessary to try to avoid this nasty virus. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that while it may not occur to people, vaccinations are not only for protecting yourself but for those around you. For example, vaccinating children also lowers the risk for their grandparents, their grandparent's friends, and on down the line--its a community thing.

How Does the Flu Vaccine Work?

Because the influenza viruses are constantly mutating, each year is a new one for the vaccine to tackle. Scientists work diligently to determine which three influenza strains are going to be circulating that particular flu season--about 6 to 9 months later. As you can imagine there is a lot of room for estimation and error, especially since the virus can mutate into totally new strains during in the research time. But they do their best.

Two misconceptions we have about the flu vaccination are:

A) We are susceptible to contracting the virus from the vaccine. While this can seem like a logical worry (why would I want to be injected with the flu virus?), here's how it works, straight from the CDC.
Flu Shot: the influenza viruses are inactivated (killed) as they are put into the vaccination. So when you get the shot, you are getting the virus so that your body can detect what it is and how to fight it, but you aren't actually having to fight a live virus.
Nasal Spray: the influenza viruses are attenuated (weakened) in the spray, and also cold-adapted. So while you are getting the live virus, the strains are weakened and designed to only survive in the coldest area of your body--your nose--and not in the warmer (more dangerous) areas like your lungs. Of course your body is doing its best to fight the virus, so most likely you will not feel any sickness, but some people can experience a runny nose and other cold-like symptoms while the body is fighting it in the nasal area. Nothing to be worried about, however, because the virus is unable to survive in your lungs.

B) The flu shot is 100% effective. Many people think as long as they've got the vaccination they can be less careful about other appropriate ways to stay healthy (washing hands, coughing into your elbow rather than your hand)--and are then surprised to get the virus. The CDC explains that although the vaccine is only about 60% effective, they liken it to wearing your seat belt in the car. Vaccinations are still a necessity for everyone over the age of 6 months (babies younger than 6 months cannot get the vaccine but are in the high risk group so caregivers should be vaccinated.) Remember--vaccines are not just to protect the individual but everyone around them.

What Are the Flu Symptoms?

Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms, and come on quickly. If you feel a shortness of breath it's important to see your doctor because this could be pneumonia, as this is a common complication.

Here's another misconception about the flu: you're the most contagious before you get sick. Although we may have all heard this from our moms, the truth is you are most contagious when your body is completely affected and all your bodily fluids are filled with infection--rather it be airborne when you sneeze or left on a doorknob from just wiping your nose. The virus spreads by a healthy person coming into contact with a virus-laden part of an infected person, and even though you can start infecting those around you 24 hours before you feel symptoms, you are crazy contagious by the time they set in. 

How Can I Protect Myself?

Aside from rolling around in a bubble or hiding out in your house all winter, pay attention to these easy ways to avoid getting infected.

• Get the flu vaccine--although it is recommended to get it by the end of November, as long as its still available its never too late. It takes about two weeks for your body to achieve the effects of the vaccine, and although peak season of the flu is January to February, some cases are still reported into May.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, STAY HOME for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone (except to get medical attention of course) and limit contact with others. *Keep your kids home from school/childcare if they are sick.
• Cover your nose/mouth with a tissue when sneezing/coughing, or try to sneeze/cough into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water--vigorously for about 20 seconds--sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to get 20 seconds. If sink isn't available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that can be contaminated--viruses can live on surfaces for months.
• Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them--they can shorten the time you are sick and may prevent serious flu complications. They can mean the difference between a milder illness and something that could result in a hospital stay.
• Exercise and eat healthy--give your body what it needs to stay in fighting shape.

What's This Got to Do With Fusion?

Here at Fusion we a) want to keep contamination to a minimum, and b) want you to know that exercise is another way to keep your body at its healthiest and your immune system at its strongest. Dr. Phillip Tierno, Director of the NY University Clinical Macrobiology notes, "stress hormones reduce immune response, and exercise strengthens your immune system as does proper rest. Also, studies have also shown that optimists fare better than those who see the glass half empty." 

So take care of your body, relax, and kick the flu to the curb.