5 Facts about the Flu: You May Not Have Known

Posted on November 01, 2019 | Posted by

Fall is Here! (and So is Flu Season):

5 Facts about the Flu: You May Not Have Known

While there is so much to love about the Fall (the leaves, pumpkin pie, turkey, football), one thing we don’t love is the spread of infectious diseases, including our greatest nemesis coming soon…the flu.  Here are five facts you may not have known that will help protect you and your family.

1. Flu season typically starts in October and goes until May

The CDC states that “The timing of flu is unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Although Dr. Whitney says that the flu activity usually begins in December in Bucks County, seasonal flu activity sometimes begins as early as October and can continue as late as May. It peaks in the United States between December and February.

2. You can be contagious before the symptoms even start

You may not realize this, but the flu often gets spread when you don’t even realize you have it. You could be contagious up to 24 hours before symptoms begin.  Most know the value of regularly washing your hands, but more important is to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.  This is where the virus incubates.

3. Flu hits hard and fast

Unlike other virus’ where symptoms slowly build, with the flu you can feel fine in the morning, but terrible by lunch.  It is true that you can feel fine one day and wake up feeling sick. Common Flu symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Terrible muscle aches
  • Extreme weakness and fatigue
  • Chills and sweats
  • Headache
  • Mild dry cough
  • Slight  sore throat
  • Nausea
  • There is usually a lack of typical cold symptoms like congestion

4. Antivirals like Tamiflu only work for influenza A and B.  Antibiotics are worthless.

If you think you have true influenza, call us right away.  Tamiflu works best is started within 48 hour of symptoms beginning, the sooner the better.  If uncomplicated we would prefer to treat you by phone to avoid infecting our other patients.

If you are exposed:

  • Use nasal saline spray multiple times daily to flush the virus from where it incubates.
  • Consider using the herbal OTC supplement echinacea.
  • Keep your immune system strong with plenty of sleep and healthy nutrition.

Preventative measures include:

  • Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water regularly
  • Keep hand sanitizer available
  • Do not touch anyone who you might think is infected
  • Do NOT touch your face
  • Cover your mouth with you cough or sneeze

5. Vaccination prevents heart attacks! 

Patients with cardiovascular risk reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%, because influenza is a massively inflammatory event that can rupture a vulnerable artery.

The CDC says that “Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.”  Flu vaccines are very safe.

You DO NOT get the flu from the flu vaccine because it is not a live virus.  The mild flu-like symptoms some get are actually their immune system doing its job mounting a defence against the virus.  That is a good thing!

Note that it can take up to two weeks for the vaccination to take effect. Now is the time to act.

Anyone over the age of 6 months should get the shot (with rare exceptions.) It is recommended that if you are 65 or older you get the high-dose flu vaccination. Dr. Whitney has both flu vaccinations available at his office in Washington Crossing, PA. Come get yours today!