As influenza begins circulating in the community, health experts encourage people to get vaccinated. Kimberly Wolfshohl, MD, a family medicine physician at JPS Health Network, said an annual flu shot remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of illness and serious complications, especially since flu viruses change from year to year.
“The vaccine developed for one year may not be as effective against the influenza strains circulating the following year,” she said. “Immunity from the vaccine is also strongest during the first one to two months after vaccination and gradually decreases throughout the season. On average, most people can expect good immunity for about the first four months after getting vaccinated.”
Who is most at risk for serious complications from the flu?
While most healthy people can recover from the flu at home, some people are more likely to experience serious complications.
Those at higher risk include:
- Adults age 65 and older
- Young children, particularly children younger than 2
- Pregnant patients
- People who are immunocompromised
- People with severe chronic diseases, such as advanced COPD or certain neurological conditions
- People who are dependent on supplemental oxygen
- People with obesity
- People living in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities
“For people in these groups, taking steps to reduce the chances of getting the flu is especially important, Dr. Wolfshohl said. “Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of infection and may also reduce the severity of symptoms.”
What are the key differences between the flu and a common cold?
The flu and a common cold can have many of the same symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, muscle aches, a runny nose, and fever. Because of those similarities, it can sometimes be difficult to know which virus is causing an illness based on symptoms alone.
“One difference is how quickly symptoms develop. The flu often has a sudden onset,” she said. “Someone may feel fine and then suddenly develop significant fatigue, muscle aches, and a combination of other symptoms.”
Fever is also more common with the flu, while people with a common cold may or may not develop one.
When symptoms come on suddenly and feel particularly severe, it may be more consistent with the flu.
What symptoms should someone watch for, and when should they seek medical care?
For most individuals who are relatively healthy, the flu can be managed at home and will eventually run its course. However, there are certain symptoms that should prompt someone to seek medical care.
Dr. Wolfshohl recommends seeing a health care provider if someone:
- Is experiencing extreme fatigue or lethargy to the point that they cannot walk to the bathroom or take care of basic needs
- Becomes confused
- Cannot keep food or water down
- Has difficulty breathing or cannot catch their breath
Difficulty breathing is particularly important to pay attention to, as it can be a sign that the body is having a more severe response to the flu and may need additional support.
If someone does get the flu, what should they do to treat their symptoms and recover?
Because the flu is caused by a virus, treatment is generally focused on supportive care. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and are not typically used to treat viral infections like the flu.
For most healthy people, Dr. Wolfshohl recommends giving the body time to recover while focusing on hydration and eating as much as tolerated. Water and electrolytes can help replace fluids lost during illness.
There are also antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, that may be used in some cases. Tamiflu is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptoms beginning. For people who are very sick, however, a health care provider may still consider the medication after 48 hours.
When it comes to fever, Dr. Wolfshohl wants patients to know that a fever is part of the body's response to an infection. If someone is comfortable, they may not need to take medication simply to lower the fever. However, if the fever is causing significant discomfort, medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen may help manage those symptoms.
What can people do besides getting vaccinated to prevent spreading or catching the flu?
Dr. Wolfshohl says simple public health measures can go a long way during flu season.
People should:
- Wash their hands regularly, especially before eating or after being around someone who is sick
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands
- Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, and food
- Cover coughs with their elbow rather than their hands
- Stay away from others when they are sick
- Stay home from work or other activities when they are not feeling well
- Consider wearing a mask if they begin experiencing symptoms, such as a sore throat, and are unsure whether they are becoming sick
What is the one thing you want our community to know about protecting themselves during flu season?
Dr. Wolfshohl wants the community to understand their own risk and the risk of the people around them.
For people who are at higher risk, or who are around individuals at higher risk of having a difficult time with the flu, she recommends considering the flu vaccine.
“The flu vaccine has a strong safety profile, and while vaccines can have potential side effects, the potential benefits of vaccination can outweigh the potential risks, particularly for people at higher risk or those who are around vulnerable individuals,” Dr. Wolfshohl said.
Regardless of whether someone chooses to get vaccinated, basic precautions such as staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene, wearing a mask when needed, and taking care of themselves can help reduce the spread of illness during flu season.
“Humans are really tough,” Dr. Wolfshohl said. “Most otherwise healthy people can get through the flu.”