Read archived articles written by Palo Alto Medical Foundation doctors.

Influenza

From Andrea Enright , M.D., Pediatrician

Every year people in the bay area usually get the flu virus, or what doctors call influenza virus, sometime during the months of October through March. However, did you know the influenza virus changes each year?

Some years there are small changes in the virus, while in other years big changes occur. Because the influenza virus changes from year to year, you can get sick with the flu more than once. This happens because the virus is clever enough to change so your body can’t fight it off. The yearly change in the influenza virus also forces vaccine manufacturers to make a new form of the flu vaccine each year.

This year there is a flu vaccine shortage, meaning it will be available only for people considered to be at high risk (people who can have serious complications with their health if they get the flu). Although only some people will be vaccinated this year, everyone can follow these simple steps to avoid getting the flu (or spreading the virus).

1. Avoid contact with people who may be sick.
   
2. Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.
   
3. Wash your hands frequently.
   
4. Stay home if you have flu symptoms (cough, sneeze, headache, sore throat).
   
5. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
   
6. Avoid sharing cups, food or lipstick with others.

Influenza viruses are spread from person to person when an infected person sneezes or coughs and releases the virus into the air. These "airborne droplets" can infect another person. If an infected person touches their nose or mouth and gets saliva or mucus on their hands and then touches an object like a door knob, the virus can be spread to another person. Even though the infected person's hands don't really look dirty or feel sticky, they are covered with contagious influenza virus.

People are most contagious during the 24 hours before they feel ill and during the time they feel the most sick. Remember, antibiotics do not treat the flu. Since influenza is a virus, antibiotics which fight bacteria will not help fight the influenza virus.

For the 2004 influenza season, only people considered at high risk for complications of infection will be offered vaccination. You can get the flu shot this year if you have asthma, diabetes or other chronic medical conditions or if you have a brother or sister less than 6 months old. Ask your doctor if you have questions about the influenza vaccine. A complete list of high risk conditions can be found at the Center for Disease Control Web site.


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