Patched Up!: Flu Season is NOW

By David Robinson, MD, St. James Family Medicine

The 2012-2013 flu season has made an early entrance in South Carolina. In fact, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) says the state hasn’t seen a flu season hit so early and so hard in a decade.

Nationally, the story is the same, with officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) asserting this year's flu strain may be more virulent than usual.

Last year, the CDC said, flu season came very late and was mild, which was nice. But each year is different and predicting specifics about the flu season is about like trying to forecast December weather in the Lowcountry.

What we know right now is that we are among at least eight states confirmed as having widespread influenza.

The good news is that the flu is not inevitable. In fact, it can be very manageable, but planning is essential.

1. Vaccinate and consider the new one for 65+.
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot, get one now. A new shot is needed each year, and it takes about two weeks to build immunity. For the first time this season, many doctors are offering a form of influenza vaccination specially designed to give people age 65 and older enhanced protection. The shot was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2011 and is covered by Medicare Part B. While vaccination doesn’t make you flu-proof, if you do get the flu, chances are it will be much less severe.

2. Wash those hands.
Wash your hands at least five times a day for a minimum of fifteen seconds each time. Make sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails.

3. Avoid public surfaces or clean before use.
This is especially important with shared computers and gym equipment. Use paper towels rather than directly touching public toilet levers, bathroom door handles and light switches.

4. Do the elbow cough.
Cough into elbows, not hands, where you are more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch.

5. Avoid sick people.
Send them cheerful emails or cards, but avoid sharing air.

6. Know the FACTS.
The symptoms or FACTS are: Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness and Sudden-onset.

If you develop symptoms of the flu, your prevention plan should include not spreading it. Go to your doctor as soon as possible and minimize contact with others.

Prescription antiviral drugs can help lessen the severity and duration of flu symptoms. They also reduce the likelihood of serious flu complications.

So follow these tips and have a Healthy New Year!

You can get a weekly update on the status of influenza in South Carolina here.