During my recent birthday celebration, four of my friends were not able to attend the party since they were having some sort of a flu. “I’m bit under weather currently,” one texted me. “Sneezing and coughing. Perhaps it’s better to avoid crowds.”
So, I wasn’t surprised when the Davao City Health Office in partnership with SM City Davao conducted a flu vaccination recently for 20 years old and above. Pneumococcal vaccine was also given to senior citizens and person with comorbidities.
“Too few of us understand that the flu is more than just an inconvenience,” writes Jane Brody in her book, Jane Brody’s Cold and Flu Fighter. “There are life-threatening risks associated with it. Consequently, too few of us take precautions to prevent contracting flu.”
The Department of Health estimates that at least 480,000 flu cases are recorded in the country. The flu season is almost simultaneous with the rainy season and so health experts always advise to get flu shots.
The flu vaccine must be taken two to three months before the onset of the flu season to get the most effective immunity. Studies have shown that flu vaccination decreases the number of episodes of upper respiratory illnesses by 25%-34%. It also reduces days of sick leave from work due to upper respiratory illnesses by 32%-43%.
According to some studies, flu vaccination lessens work absenteeism due to illness by 36%, decreases physicians’ visit for upper respiratory illness by 34%-44%, and reduces flu-like illnesses by 25%.
“Flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by a virus,” explains Brody. Medical researchers divide flu viruses into three general categories: Types A, B, and C. “While all three types can mutate, or change into new strains, type A flu mutates constantly, yielding new strains of the virus,” notes The Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Alternative and Conventional Treatments.
This means that a person can never develop a permanent immunity to flu. Even if he develops antibodies against a flu virus one year, those antibodies are unlikely to protect him against a new strain of the virus the next year.
Influenza (flu for short), one of the most ancient and prevalent diseases known to humanity, has a notorious reputation as a deadly illness. The condition was first documented by Hippocrates in 412 BC, and the earliest well-documented pandemic resembling influenza occurred in 1580.
Since then, a total of 31 potential influenza pandemics have been recorded, with three significant outbreaks taking place in the 20th century: in 1918, 1957, and 1968. The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 to 50 million individuals worldwide.
In 1976, just as global health experts were prepared to consider the early 1900s pandemic a closed chapter, an American soldier unexpectedly succumbed to influenza. He experienced severe lung hemorrhaging and passed away after five days. Health officials were taken aback when autopsy findings revealed that he had died from the same virus responsible for the deaths of millions nearly six decades earlier.
Flu is noted for being an efficient infector. All it takes is one sneeze – and a person will have it. The Merck Manual of Medical Information explains: “The virus is spread by inhaling infected droplets that have been coughed or sneezed out by an infected person or by having direct contact with an infected person’s secretions. Handling infected household articles may sometimes be responsible.”
Brody, in her book, writes: “It spreads like a cold, primarily moving from person to person via virus-contaminated airborne droplets released by coughs, sneezes and even normal conversation. Moreover, like colds, flu can be transmitted by people who have not yet developed symptoms. The incubation period is one to three days, and during that time you can unknowingly spread the virus to someone else. Once flu symptoms develop, you remain contagious for another three to five days.”
Flu is highly contagious that no one is spared from it, even the healthy individuals if they are exposed to the virus. “Since it is usually spread through large groups who spend time in close contact with others, setting such as schools, day care centers, nursing care and long-term health care facilities, school age children, teachers, health care associates and providers may be at risk,” Dr. Rizal Alberto B. Nolido, Jr., chairman of the council on pulmonary infections of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, was quoted as saying.
In most instances, flu is dismissed as common cold. But both differ. “Flu is caused by a different virus and produces symptoms that are more severe,” the Merck manual explains. “Also, flu affects cells much deeper down in the respiratory tract.”
Symptoms of flu start 24 to 48 hours after infection and can begin suddenly. The first clue that a person has flu is the chilly sensation. Fever is common during the first few days, and the temperature may rise to 102-103 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a cold, you may feel you can carry on. But with flu, you will probably want to go to bed. “Many people feel sufficiently ill to remain in bed,” the Merck manual notes. He will experience aches and pains throughout his body, most pronounced in the back and legs. Headache is often severe, with aching around and behind the eyes.”
If a person is healthy, flu usually isn’t serious. But if he’s very young or very old, or having a heart, lung or nervous system disease, flu can lead to life-threatening complications. Viral pneumonia is said to be the most severe complication; it can progress rapidly and cause death in as early as 48 hours, according to the Merck manual.
The main treatment for flu is to take a complete rest in a warm, well-ventilated room until the disease clears up. Staying home also avoids spreading the infection. Drinking plenty of fluids – but do not alcoholic drinks – may help.
The best way to avoid contracting flu is through vaccination. The flu vaccine’s most common side effect is soreness at the vaccination site for up to two days. Some people may experience post-shot fever, malaise, sore muscles, and other symptoms resembling the flu that can last for one to two days.
