The 2015 Flu Forecast: The Top 5 Things To Know & Do This Flu Season

Flu season is here, and from now through New Year’s Eve, you’re likely to be exposed to the virus at parties, the mall, or the office. Your best bet is to get a flu shot as soon as possible—it takes two weeks to kick in. The flu season starts in October and can last until May. Here’s what you need to know and do to protect your health and your loved ones from influenza this year.

1. Experts predict a significant severe flu season

“Last year’s flu season was fairly significant, and this year, we’re expecting to see about the same level of activity,” says Erik Larsen, MD, Associate Director of the Emergency Department at White Plains Hospital. Drawing from information gleaned at an influenza readiness conference attended by Dr. Larsen and other Hospital physicians and nurses sponsored by Montefiore Health System, of which White Plains Hospital is a member, and from the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Larsen indicated that experts anticipate overall high levels of outpatient illness and influenza-associated hospitalization.

2. A flu shot is your best protection against the flu

Dr. Larsen recommends that everyone get a flu shot with the exception of babies under 6 months of age, who are too young to receive the flu vaccine. He says “without question” people at high risk of serious complications or even death from the flu should be vaccinated. That includes children between the ages of 6 months and two years; adults 65 or older; pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or suppressed immune systems, including people undergoing chemotherapy. Dr. Larsen adds, “At White Plains Hospital, everyone who works in our facility is required to receive the vaccination. We feel it is essential that, as caregivers, we are creating a safe and healthy environment for our patients, their families, and our staff every day.”

3. An imperfect vaccine is better than no vaccine at all

Although last year’s influenza vaccine was widely reported to “miss the mark” and didn’t offer protection from the predominant virus strains, Dr. Larsen says flu shots are always beneficial. “The vaccine alerts the body to recognize [a flu virus]. Even if you don’t hit it exactly, it is close enough,” he explains. “While we realize that the flu vaccine might not always be completely effective, it is still the most effective tool in our arsenal to prevent influenza and influenza- related secondary illnesses.”

4. Antiviral agents help

If you get the flu, Dr. Larsen says an antiviral agent, like Oseltamivir (commercially known as Tamifluâ), “can help shorten the duration of symptoms, and can make the illness more bearable.” However, an antiviral agent must be taken within first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. It generally shortens the illness by one day. “It’s worth it,” he says. He also recommends taking an antiviral agent if you know you have been exposed to the virus.

5. When to seek medical help or go to the ER

If you get the flu, seek medical help. Your doctor can confirm the illness and prescribe an antiviral agent, or assess if you are at risk of complications such as pneumonia, according to Dr. Larsen. To provide medical help when people cannot see their regular doctor, White Plains Hospital recently opened an urgent care center at White Plains Medical and Wellness in Armonk, New York. The center is open 7 days a week until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 p.m. on weekends. Dr. Larsen explains that the White Plains Hospital urgent care center provides both treatment and education, so patients learn how to protect their families—or anyone vulnerable that they come in contact with—to help prevent the spread of the virus.

However, patients should seek immediate emergency medical treatment if their illnesses worsen after a 5-day period, or if they experience severe respiratory distress or have other pre-existing conditions, Dr. Larsen says. “Go to the emergency room if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse, you are short of breath, elderly, or have a serious health condition such as cancer or diabetes,” Dr. Larsen says. “Flu can be a life-threatening illness and results in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths each year. Never hesitate to seek medical help if you think you need it.”