Prescription to shoo the flu: caution, care, common sense
Reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that flu-related illnesses and deaths across the country have reached epidemic proportions this winter stand as good cause for serious concern — but no cause for rampant panic.
In Ohio, this influenza season ranks among the meanest on record. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the number of flu-related hospitalizations for the past four flu seasons has averaged about 250 weekly. This 2014-15 season, however, that number skyrocketed to 1,598 last week, with at least three more months of prime influenza season ahead of us. That’s the largest number of flu hospitalizations recorded by the state in a single week since Ohio began to collect and report that data in 2009.
The Mahoning Valley is not immune. In Mahoning County during the first week of this month, 85 flu or flu-related cases requiring hospitalization have been reported to the ODH.
As most familiar with the annoying malady know, seasonal influenza is no walk in the park. It causes fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. It is usually spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Though its impact is usually short-lived and relatively minor, serious influenza cases kill up to 49,000 Americans annually, according to the CDC.
Fortunately for all, influenza need not be a death sentence. With healthy doses of caution, care and common sense, the risk of contracting seasonal influenza can be lessened and the likelihood for serious complications can be minimized.
First, know the warning signs. In children, for example, they include fast breathing, bluish skin color, not taking in enough fluids, irritability, and fever with rashes. In adults, initial symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion and persistent vomiting.
Second, don’t forget your flu shot. Even though this year’s flu epidemic partially is attributable to deficiencies in this season’s flu vaccine, doctors still advise everyone not to bypass the shot as it still provides some protection and can lessen the debilitating impact of eventual symptoms.
Act swiftly
Once detected, potential victims should act swiftly. Dr. David Davis, medical director for the Youngstown Health Department, advises any and all — particularly the high-risk group of people age 65 and over — to seek medical treatment speedily.
Just as important, however, are taking care and using common sense to avoid a run-in with influenza in the first place. Toward that end, the CDC prescribes these hygienic behaviors: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands thoroughly and often, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
But once infected, stay indoors and out of reach of potential victims for at least 24 hours after symptoms have subsided because of the ease at which the virus is spread to others. That’s why some hospitals in the Mahoning Valley prudently have implemented strict no-visitation policies for influenza patients.
No good can come from spreading panic and fear of exaggerated adverse outcomes of our ongoing uptick in flu illnesses. Much good, however, can come from applying care, caution and common sense to stop the spread of influenza in its tracks.