What is Influenza?

Influenza, the “flu”, is a respiratory illness. Contrary to what many believe, it is NOT diarrhea and vomiting. There are three primary types of Influenza; A, B and C. Influenza becomes widespread in the fall and winter months. It is mostly a problem in temperate climates. Influenza A is the most serious and debilitating. Influenza B is less serious in terms of intensity of symptoms and duration of illness. This author has seen patients with influenza A and B simultaneously. Approximately every two to three years large epidemics occur, devastating households throughout the world. This is mostly due to the protein mutating between vaccines and without a new vaccine, it becomes more widespread. Influenza is primarily spread through air droplets by coughing and sneezing. Complications are not that uncommon and one may get pneumonia or a bacterial pneumonia on top of the already diagnosed influenza. Women in their second and third trimester, children under two years old, and the elderly over sixty five are at highest risk.

What are the symptoms of Influenza?

Symptoms in the beginning are similar to a common cold, however, influenza does not have a slow, insidious onset. Patients frequently report they were fine the night before and woke up feeling as if a truck hit them. Common symptoms are; severe body aches, joint aches, fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, chills, and eye pain.  Nausea and vomiting are rare, but more common in children.

The incubation period is one to four days from time of exposure, averaging about two days. Full recovery is about ten to fourteen days. This can be decreased by getting diagnosed quickly and taking anti-virals.

What is the treatment for Influenza?

Anti-viral medications have been controversial, however, my own personal experience showed medication clearly helped me resolve the intensity of the symptoms and did shave three to four days off the illness. The vast majority of healthy adults will recover one hundred percent with supportive therapy. To aid in comfort, adjunct medication for cough, fever reducing agents, increased fluids and rest are all helpful. Death is increased in the very young, old, immune-compromised and those with respiratory illness such as asthma. * Remember to AVOID aspirin in children to decrease the incidence of Reye’s Syndrome. Should anti-virals be given, they must be given within the first forty-eight hours or they will not be effective at all. Evidence has shown that once a diagnosis is confirmed, others in the home without a vaccine should have prophylaxis treatment with anti-virals. There is enough evidence to show a significant benefit in preventing a full blown illness. Anti-virals are effective against influenza A but not B.

What is Influenza prophylaxis (vaccine)?

Every year, the vaccines are changed to target any mutations of the virus. Vaccines reduce the chance of infection by seventy-five to ninety percent. They also decrease death and a concurrent pneumonia by up to eighty percent. The vaccine is recommended highly for those over sixty-five and children six months to two years of age. Vaccination in the fall is important since it takes anywhere from four to eight weeks to build immunity. Rumors of getting the influenza virus by getting the vaccine are embellished stories with no founded evidence. Note the influenza vaccine is recommended in pregnancy. If you look up the vaccine you will see it is category “C” which only means there have been zero studies on this vaccine. There have been no adverse effects on the infant after the vaccine.

What are side effects of the Influenza Vaccine?

Adverse effects are local pain at the injection site for a few days, muscle aches and low grade fever. Those individuals allergic to eggs or chickens should not get the vaccine as they run a risk of a severe reaction. The vaccine is not recommended for those who are pregnant. The controversy over vaccinations has reached the forefront of the media the last few years. Vaccines have long been a cornerstone for prevention with excellent results. There is no hard evidence to suggest otherwise . Peace and Healing will report the latest updates on all research that centers around vaccines and concerns. It is important to realize we should be cautious when the media tries to promote fear to accomplish a given task. Read, research and make an informed decision.