Influenza Season Facts and Tips from Cassandra Munoz, APRN, FNP-C

Friday, February 2, 2018

Influenza Season 2017-2018:

The influenza vaccination is recommended for ages 6 months and older.
The influenza vaccination contains four different strains this year instead of three as it did last year.
The influenza vaccination can be given to pregnant individuals.
The influenza vaccination is recommended to be given from October through and after January.
The influenza vaccination is only recommended to be given in the shot form this year and not the intranasal form.
The vaccine will only help with the respiratory influenza it will not be effective for the stomach flu.
Signs and symptoms of the influenza virus: fever, body aches, chills, nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough.
Stomach Flu signs and symptoms: diarrhea, fever, vomiting, headache, chills, and body aches.
Good handwashing frequently, taking a multivitamin daily, getting a good nights sleep, staying home when your sick, disinfecting surfaces frequently, and increasing your daily intake of foods containing vitamin C can help the spread and prevention of influenza.
Getting in to see your doctor sooner to get tested and treated will help with symptoms sooner.
Tamiflu is indicated to be given within 24-48 hours of onset of symptoms and is most effective when it is given in this time frame. It can be harsh on your stomach so you will need to take it with food. It will NOT rid your body of the virus however it will help with symptom relief.
Tamiflu is given to anyone aged 2 weeks and older.
Alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen, if you are able to take these, for fever every 4 hours can help bring your fever down.
There are two different dosing options: one for an individual that has the influenza currently and another for someone who has been around or exposed to someone with confirmed influenza.
Influenza virus strains are always changing.
If you are allergic to eggs and your reaction is only hives the CDC still recommends you receive the vaccine. However if your allergic reaction is more than just hives they advise you do not receive the vaccine.
Keeping hydrated with small sips of water frequently and getting plenty of rest will help your body recover from the influenza.
Warning signs you should see your provider sooner include: decreased level of consciousness, trouble breathing, not eating or drinking for a few days, and weakness.
If you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the Cozad Community Medical Clinic or the Cozad Community Hospital, and we would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.