If you haven’t already gotten an influenza (flu) vaccination, get one. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting nearly 9,000 deaths due to flu so far this flu season, and judging this as one of the worst years for flu based on the last 10 years, there’s no better time to understand the severity of the illness and the significance of flu vaccinations, for everyone. Despite these alarming statistics, the flu shot is effective, providing protection against 4 strains of the flu and building the immune system in the event that you do get the flu.
Unavoidable however—the cold temperatures of this winter have sent most of us indoors—to a prime breeding ground of contagious germs and viruses that cause colds and flu. Flu symptoms could last five to seven days, generally come on suddenly and are more physically debilitating. Symptoms may include weakness, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath and a fever of 100.3 and above. For relatively healthy adults, staying home and getting plenty of rest and fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, can help combat congestion, cough and body aches.
How do you know if you should seek medical attention for the flu? It is strongly recommended that anyone with the flu who is under age 6, or 65 and older, or has diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, asthma, COPD or other immune conditions or chronic illnesses, go to the doctor immediately. Many people are not aware that the flu can be fatal. If you have concerns about the flu, see your doctor.
If you’d like to secure an interview with family medicine physician, Robert Pedowitz, DO, medical director of Family Practice of CentraState, to discuss this flu epidemic, its diagnosis, treatment, prevention and hospital admissions due to flu, please contact Abbey Luterick, director of Public Relations, at 732-294-7082 (office) or 908-415-4193 (cell).
