Navigating an active flu season
Flu season is off to a strong start this winter with a new, highly active strain that has people across California aching, coughing and sneezing.
The number of people seeking emergency care for influenza has led to a surge in hospital admissions, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Children and older adults are at increased risk for complications including hospitalization.
“We’re seeing an increase in flu cases across Orange County," says Dr. Susan S. Huang, medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention for UCI Health.
"The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu is to get vaccinated. It's not too late.”
Why vaccinate?
"The vaccine is recommended for almost everyone ages 6 months and older. Vaccinated people who get the flu are likely to have a much milder illness, Huang says.
“Data clearly shows that the flu vaccine helps decrease the risk of death, hospitalization, pneumonia or admission to an intensive care unit.”
This is true for adults and children, but especially for people who have chronic health problems.
“If you are an older adult, have a weakened immune system or have conditions such as asthma or chronic lung or heart disease, getting vaccinated could make the difference between becoming seriously ill or having a mild case of the flu,” she says.
Deadlier for kids under 5
The influenza vaccine is particularly important for children under age 5, for whom the flu is deadlier.
When kids get their flu shots, not only are they protected, but they also indirectly help protect other individuals in the family and the community, Huang says. This can be particularly important for grandparents and parents with chronic illnesses.
Each child who avoids getting the flu protects high-risk individuals in their family and social circle.
“That translates to a lot of flu cases that won’t occur, which saves many lives,” Huang adds.
Flu symptoms
The most common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and chills
This year's flu virus also seems to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and belly pain. The best treatment is to manage symptoms and let you body recover with rest and hydration.
"It’s important to stay home and rest until you feel better — and until you haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours without taking medications such as acetaminophen," Huang says.
"From the time your symptoms begin until a few days after your fever is gone, consider masking when you are around others to prevent spreading the virus."
Preventing the flu's spread
People are contagious from the day before they feel unwell until five to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
That's why it is important that before, during and after any bout with the flu, you remember to:
- Wash your hands frequently and sanitize surfaces such as computer keyboards, phones, doorknobs and countertops you touch that others are likely to use .
- Keep shared areas such as bathrooms and kitchen spaces sanitized as well.
- If you are coughing or sneezing, wear a medical mask to prevent the spread of virus-filled droplets.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into the bend of your elbow — not your hand — to keep droplets from spreading.
- Continue to rest, hydrate and let your body recover, which can help prevent getting the flu again.
If you or a family member hasn't gotten a flu shot, they are available at many grocery and drug stores. You can also make an appointment with your primary care physician.
Orange County residents who do not have a primary care doctor or health insurance can learn about scheduling a flu vaccine appointment through the Orange County Health Care Agency.
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