Body aches. Runny nose. Fever. If you have these symptoms, chances are likely that you have the flu.
Influenza virus, the causative agent of the flu, is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions released from an infected person when they cough and sneeze. Since students are typically exposed to large numbers of people, whether in class or at school functions, their odds of contracting this respiratory illness can be greater than other segments of the population.
According to Diana Lee Noah, Ph.D. and Research Virologist at Southern Research Institute who recently gave a lecture at UAB about this very topic, the flu takes its toll not only on the body, but also on a person’s level of productivity, an important issue for students who don’t want to fall behind in their studies.
“The flu typically results in about seven to ten days of missed activities,” she said. “From a schoolwork perspective, that can be a very large block of time to be absent and result in a sizeable amount of make-up work.”
Flu season usually peaks between December and March, and vaccinations for the upcoming season typically become available in late summer or early fall. It’s never too late to get vaccinated, though.
“The flu season all over the USA and Jefferson County has been unusually mild for this time of the year,” said Kingsley Sathiakumar, an epidemiologist at the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). “Flu vaccine, either a shot or the nasal spray ‘Flumist’, is still strongly advised even now, as we have not seen the end of the flu season for 2008-9.”
By far, vaccination is the best method for protection from the flu. Because the virus can mutate and thus change its components from year to year, an annual flu vaccine is imperative.
There are two methods of vaccination against influenza virus, the flu shot and the intranasal vaccine, Flumist. The flu shot is administrated in the arm, and, because it is composed of influenza virus that has been killed, it’s not possible to get the flu from the shot. Oftentimes, people may feel side effects such as soreness and low grade fever that are associated with vaccines in general.
The intranasal vaccine is a mist that is sprayed through the nose and into the respiratory tract, which is the same route of infection taken by live influenza virus. Flumist, as the vaccine is called, actually consists of influenza virus that is attenuated, or greatly weakened, so a mild infection may ensue. The positive side, however, is that this particular vaccine may confer greater protection than the shot. Due to the risk of mild illness, though, Flumist is only approved in healthy individuals who are 2 to 49 years of age and for women who are not pregnant.
In the event that someone does contract the flu, early detection can be a key factor in making the illness a bit more tolerable. According to Aimee Holland, CRNP at UAB Student Health Services, students who believe they may have the flu should see their doctor as soon as possible.
“If the onset of symptoms is within 48 hours, an antiviral medication may be started to help reduce the complications of the influenza virus and shorten the duration of symptoms.”
Holland also encourages people to maintain a healthy immune system, especially during the winter season by eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate rest, exercising, considering a daily multi-vitamin and mineral, and keeping hands cleaned.
Several steps can be taken to avoid transmitting the virus to others. According to Dr. Elizabeth Turnipseed, M.D. and director of disease control for the JCDH, a person who has the flu should wash their hands frequently, stay home and avoid communal activities, and cover coughs and sneezes preferably with a tissue, rather than one’s hand.
UAB Student Health Services currently has 38 flu shots available to be administered. Alternatively, students may go to the JCDH, which offers the flu shot to anyone for $18.25.
Published in the UAB Kaleidoscope newspaper, 02/24/09
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