Influenza symptoms include high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough, whereas runny or stuffy nose are more often associated with common colds.  Influenza is what we vaccinate for every fall.

 

Influenza is a highly contagious disease. The virus is spread when you either inhale infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or when you come in direct contact with an infected person’s secretions (for example, by kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks). Touching smooth surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and telephones, are other ways to transfer the virus to your hands, which may then contact the nose or mouth when you touch them.

 

A person with flu is contagious for up to 7 days after the onset of the illness, although the virus can be detected in the secretions up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms. Thus, an individual can transmit the virus one day before symptoms begin.

 

In most cases, diagnosis of the flu is determined by the symptoms, especially when these occur during the peak flu season. Sometimes, the doctor may need to perform special tests to be sure the influenza virus is responsible for the symptoms.  A sample is taken from the back of the nose. The doctor uses a foam-tipped swab  and simply rubs the tip deep inside the nose. At Cottonwood Clinic, we use a rapid test that can be performed in the office with the result available in 10 minutes. 

 

Treatment of influenza consists of rest, plenty of fluids, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn), for fever, cough suppressants and expectorants to treat the cough, and antiviral medications. Zanamivir and oseltamivir are most effective when given within 48 hours of the onset of illness. They can decrease the duration of the disease by 1 day if used within this early time period. They are usually given for a period of about 5-7 days. These medications can also be used for prevention of the disease in household contacts. Unfortunately, these medications can be expensive.

 

Influenza can be prevented with vaccination every fall. When people say, “I got the flu shot once, and I got the flu right away,” they probably actually mean, “ I got the influenza shot, and then I got the stomach flu right away.” The influenza shot will not prevent stomach flu.

 

The other “flu” is gastroenteritis, which is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is usually caused by a myriad of viruses. It is usually self-limiting, and treatment consists of fluids and anti-nausea medication.

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of influenza, get in to the doctor as soon as possible to get treatment for you and your family.