The Flu

Since we are hearing so much about the flu right now, I thought it would be nice to post some facts about how the flu can affect anyone with a chronic medical condition, the elderly and the very young. I do NOT believe people take the flu seriously enough. It's not just any old virus......it's not just the common cold. It has proven itself to be deadly and we need to take it serious. If you have it.....STAY HOME. You never know who you are infecting when you go out in public. If you can get the vaccine, get it. Here are some important facts for those with chronic health problems and for those that are healthy so they realize how important it is not to go out and infect others! The flu is very serious for anyone with a chronic health problem and there are millions of us out there folks!

If you have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, asthma, or diabetes, it's important to call your doctor when the first flu symptoms occur.

Each year in the United States, about 36,000 people die from influenza (flu) and over 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications from flu. These complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. When kids with asthma or allergies get flu, they often get complications such as sinus problems and ear infections.

Who's at risk for problems associated with flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals who are at high risk for problems associated with flu include:

adults over age 50
people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house people with long-term illnesses
adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the prior year because of a metabolic disease (such as diabetes), have chronic kidney disease, or have a weakened immune system -- including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)
children 6 months to 18 years old who are on long-term aspirin therapy (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye's syndrome.)
women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
all children 6 months to 59 months of age
What chronic medical conditions might increase problems associated with flu?
Some common medical conditions that may increase the risk of problems with the flu include:

asthma
diabetes
emphysema
heart disease
HIV/AIDS

Why is flu more serious to those with asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease. It affects more than 22 million Americans. Flu can make asthma symptoms much worse.

According to the American Lung Association, only 40% of adults with asthma and 10% of children with asthma actually get the flu shot, despite longstanding recommendations that they do so. A study by the American Lung Association estimates that if every child with asthma got the flu shot, it would prevent approximately 100,000 hospitalizations each year.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Asthma and Flu.

What about diabetes and flu?
While getting the flu is dangerous for anyone, it's extra risky for those with diabetes. People with diabetes are three times more likely to die with flu and/or pneumonia. Still, more than 50 percent of those with diabetes do not get an annual flu shot, according to the CDC.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Diabetes and Flu.

How is COPD -- emphysema and chronic bronchitis -- worsened by flu?
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis, known together as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affect 10.7 million adults. Both conditions are marked by obstruction to airflow that interferes with breathing. Like asthma or any lung disease, COPD is worsened by the flu. if you have COPD, it's important to learn what you can do to avoid respiratory problems.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis (COPD) and Flu.

Why is flu a danger to those with heart disease?
Flu and lung infections pose greater dangers for people with heart disease. Lung infections prevent people from taking in oxygen as efficiently as they should. This makes the heart work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood through the body. This extra work can be dangerous for people with heart disease.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Heart Disease and Flu.

What about HIV/AIDS and flu?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) kills or damages cells in the body's immune system. It gradually destroys the body's ability to fight infections like the flu and the common cold. About 850,000 to 950,000 people are infected with HIV in the U.S., according to the CDC. People with HIV are more likely to get complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. They are also at higher risk of dying from the flu.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's HIV/AIDS and Flu.

Are elderly adults at higher risk for flu complications?
More than 90% of flu-related deaths occur among the elderly (adults more than 60 years of age) In addition, many older adults suffer with illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and COPD, which also increase the chances of flu complications.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu in Older Adults.

What about pregnant women and flu complications?
Pregnancy can increase the risk of flu complications. That's why it's important to understand flu symptoms and contact your physician immediately to avoid potentially serious flu complications. In addition, women who intend on becoming pregnant during flu season are urged to get a flu shot.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Pregnancy and Flu.

How can you prevent the flu when you have a chronic medical condition?
Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine is highly recommended for healthy individuals who want to avoid flu and for those people who are in high risk groups. Only infants younger than 6 months should not get a flu shot.

For in-depth information, see WebMD's Flu Shot: Influenza Vaccine and Side Effects.

If you have a chronic medical condition, how do you treat the flu?
Antiviral drugs are available by prescription to treat the flu. In some cases, antiviral drugs can be used to prevent infection with flu. These drugs work by blocking the replication of the flu virus, preventing its spread. Recommended antiviral drugs include:

Relenza (zanamivir)
Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
People who are at high risk of serious complications from the flu may benefit most from antiviral medications. This includes people with chronic medical conditions. Check with your doctor before taking an antiviral drug because some people may experience side effects.

You may also take some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist first. You should make sure the medicine won't interfere with other medications prescribed for your condition. For example, if you have heart disease, you need to avoid decongestants. If you have COPD, you should avoid aspirin, antihistamines, and decongestants.

When do I call the doctor for flu with a chronic medical condition?
Some doctors recommend that people with chronic disease always go to the doctor when they get the flu or a cold. Others think you can safely wait out these viruses with bed rest and fluids. But if you experience any of the following symptoms, you need to call your doctor:

You have trouble breathing.
Your symptoms don't improve or they get worse after three to four days.
After feeling a little better, you develop signs of a more serious problem. Some of these signs are a sick-to-your-stomach feeling, vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, chest pain, or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.
For in-depth information, see WebMD's When to Call the Doctor About Flu.

When does flu season begin?
Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

October or November is the best time to get the flu vaccine, but you can still get vaccinated in January or later.

The flu shot becomes effective about two weeks after your vaccination.

Where can I get a flu shot?
The American Lung Association offers an online flu vaccine clinic locator. Visit www.flucliniclocator.org, enter a zip code and a date (or dates), and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area.

A nasal flu vaccine also exists. It is called FluMist and contains weakened live viruses. People with HIV/AIDS and other chronic medical conditions should not receive FluMist. It is approved for use only among healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 years.