EAR, NOSE & THROAT UPDATE
HOW TO AVOID THE FLU IN A SEASON OF SHORTAGE
By Jeffrey Raval, MD, FACS
If you’re elderly or very young, have a compromised immune system or are pregnant, hopefully you were one of the first in line to for your seasonal flu shot while the vaccine was yet available. But for the rest of us who have been turned away because of the vaccine shortage, there are some proactive measures you can take to avoid getting the flu that are more effective than a shot in the dark.
The Influenza virus is respiratory born and spreads from person-to-person through the respiratory droplets that are secreted from the mouth and nose. Sneezing and coughing are the two primary ways the virus is transmitted. Occasionally, a person can become infected if he or she touches an inanimate object that a contagious person has very recently touched and then puts his or her hand to his or her mouth or nose.
A person is contagious one full day before experiencing any symptoms of flu. They may not even feel sick as the virus incubates in their body. The infectious period is, in fact, the highest the day before symptoms show up and for several days afterwards. People are infectious for up to one week after they begin to show flu-like symptoms: muscle aches, fever, fatigue, chills and a runny nose.
Note: If you’re trying to differentiate between whether you’ve got a common cold or the flu, muscle aches and fever are much more severe with the flu.
The best way to avoid the flu all season long is to stay healthy by eating right and resting enough—things each of us should do year-round, not just in flu season. And take care not to compromise your immune system to the point where your resistance is diminished.
Secondly, avoid close contact with others who are coughing and or sneezing. “Close” would be considered your personal space. Stand clear of their respiratory secretions. And if you’re near someone who is coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose.
Third, wash your hands A LOT. The infamous Donald Trump is highly quoted when it comes to his dislike of shaking hands because of the germs that are transmitted hand-to-hand. You can either imitate The Donald or take my lead: when I’m meeting with people for dinner, I’ll shake their hand and momentarily excuse myself to the restroom to wash my hands. Of course I’m washing my hands very frequently all day long because of my job, but you can’t be too cautious. You just never know if a person is infected with the flu. Your best bet is to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking another person’s hands until you can wash your hands.
Anti-viral prescription medication is available nowadays. The five-day course of medication is shown to reduce the severity of flu symptoms in people who have caught the flu and as well it can protect people from developing a full-blown flu in the event they are quite certain they’ve been exposed to it at the workplace or at home.
Flu is a serious concern. It can lead to pneumonia and can be deadly. So stand back, don’t touch your face, wash your hands often, and contact your physician if you are certain you’ve been exposed to the flu virus.
If you have questions about the flu, you are welcome to contact our office.
Jeffrey Raval, MD, FACS is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School and did his residency and internship at the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University Barnes Jewish Hospital. He completed his fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Reach Dr. Raval at 303.381.FACE (3223).