Medical Moment: Dealing with 2014 Flu

10 Jan Medical Moment: Dealing with 2014 Flu

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture.

Eric Johnson answers this week’s question: How do I stay healthy in the face of this year’s flu, H1N1?

As everyone is probably aware influenza season is upon us. Just as a review, the Flu is not nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

The Flu is actually a respiratory illness characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms, high fevers, body aches, nasal congestion, mild to moderate sore throat and a cough, always a cough. The cough is usually or minimally non-productive and can be associated with wheezing and some shortness of breath.

There are two types of influenza, type A and Type B, included in each of these are many different strains. Different strains circulate from year to year which is why a flu shot is needed every year.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other agencies study the circulating viruses and try to match the flu vaccine to those particular strains. This year’s vaccine is proving to be a good match.

Currently influenza is being reported in every state and is widespread in a majority of states, most notably the mountain west, including Colorado.

Compared to the yearly averages reported, flu is below the seasonal baseline and well below the epidemic threshold.

Additionally, hospitalizations and pediatric deaths (6) from influenza are well below the averages. The most recent reporting period from the CDC indicates that type A influenza is the most common strain being reported. In influenza, B is minimal, 2.6%, as is usually the case.

This year’s circulating strains of type A influenza are H1N1 and H3 which are components of this year’s vaccine.  The majority of circulating influenza virus is H1N1. As many may remember the H1N1 strain first appeared in 2009, the “swine flu.”

This strain has been circulating every year since 2009 and has been a component of every vaccine since the 2009/10 flu season.

The fact that the H1N1 strain is still circulating and has been a component of the annual vaccine for four years is actually reassuring. This means people continue to be exposed to this flu virus , either naturally or via vaccination and will continue to build immunity to the virus, making it less likely they will become ill.

It is not too late to get a flu shot, though the possibility exists that you may be exposed to the flu before your immune system creates a good response to the vaccine. San Miguel county Nursing, as well as may major pharmacies still have vaccines available.

Besides getting the flu vaccine there are things you can do to avoid getting ill:

• Good and frequent hand washing is paramount.
• Clean common household surfaces with a disinfectant.
• Do not share towels in the bathroom.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Get plenty of rest.
• And, wash your hands again!

If you become ill, see your health care provider, cover when you cough, wash your hands and do not return to work or school until fever free for 24 hours without the influence of fever reducers.

Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health.

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