What to do When You Have the Flu Monday, January 05, 2015 By Clara Schneider MS, RD, RN, CDE, LDN Blogs Topic: Health Share: The flu (influenza) this year is prevalent and dangerous. So much so that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have declared it an epidemic. (1) The flu is very contagious and is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract (including the nose, throat and lungs) by inhaling droplets released with a cough or a sneeze from an infected person.(2,3) These viruses can also live on hard surfaces for a period of 2-8 hours. (4) It can be passed to another person up to a few days before symptoms occur in an individual. (5) People with diabetes can have particularly hard times with the flu. what to do when you have the flu with diabetesIt is scary to see how extensive the flu is this year. It is affecting every region in the United States. The CDC publishes a weekly map that shows influenza activity weekly by state and territory. As you can see by looking at the map, it is very widespread. I know personally that it hits hard. I am trying to win my battle with the flu that I came down with about a week ago. I was pro-active and had my yearly flu shot, but with caring for my two year old ill grandson, I was destined to get it. Even though I had the vaccine, washed my hands often and came down with the flu, I still recommend that if you do not have the flu and you did not get the flu shot yet, talk to your doctor to see if you should have one. Experts predict it is likely the strains of this year’s flu will change and match up with the protection that is acquired from this year’s vaccine. (1) Remember that the flu is dangerous and can be deadly. Children, frail elderly and people with weakened immune systems (which can include people with diabetes) are some of the people at high risk of complications from the flu. (6,7) What are the symptoms of the flu? As the flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract, symptoms include a general achy feeling with cold-like symptoms. Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion (stuffiness or runny nose) are usually part of the picture. An increase in body temperature or fever may occur or chills even without a fever is common. Feeling fatigued, drained and needing bed-rest are other symptoms. In some cases, especially in children the person may also vomit and/or have diarrhea. (2) What are some complications from the flu? Complications include diseases of the airways such as pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus infections. Ear infections can also occur. Other health conditions such as asthma and heart problems may worsen. Some of these problems may need to be treated in the hospital. (8) Rare but troublesome complications include tonsillitis, meningitis and encephalitis. (3) A precaution you can take to avoid pneumonia is to get the pneumococcal vaccine. (5) What should you do if you start having symptoms of the flu? It is important to contact your doctor or healthcare team immediately. The American Lung Association recommends you do this to give your doctor the opportunity to order an antiviral medication like: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) Zanamivir (Relenza®) These medications work best when taken within 2 days of feeling flu symptoms. These medication can reduce the severity and length of time you will suffer with the flu. Your doctor needs to decide if this is right for you. (9) Read more: diabetescare.net/authors/clara-schneider/when-you-have-the-flu#ixzz3OYYehwF6
Posted on: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 22:56:49 +0000
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