Flu Update
You have probably heard (and may have already experienced) that we are in the middle
of a bad Flu season.
There are two Influenza strains (an A strain and a B strain) circulating now, fortunately
both are included in this year's vaccine. The Type A H3N2 strain is different than
in the past few years, so more people are going to be susceptible, (the H1N1 strain
had been the predominant one for several years). Moreover, the H3N2 strain tends to
cause a worse illness.
Whereas Type A Influenza primarily results in high fever, severe body aches and respiratory
symptoms all within 24 hours of onset, Type B can cause nausea and vomiting along
with these other symptoms. And, because there have been equal number of Type A and
Type B strains in circulation this year, a person can potentially get the Flu twice
this season! In addition, there are other respiratory and GI viruses around that don't
cause as severe of an illness, but will still make people sick for 7 - 10 days. Lots
of bed rest, liquids (to prevent dehydration) and your cold remedy of choice is the
best treatment.
Thus, please remember to return to campus with a nice supply of Tylenol, ibuprofen
(Advil or Motrin), and a variety of cold medications. (note that pseudoephedrine is
a much better decongestant than phenylephrine, but you will have to ask for it at
the pharmacy).
It takes about 1-2 weeks for protective antibodies to form after receiving the Flu
vaccine, so please take care of that before you return to campus. If you are not able
to work that in, I do have a small supply still left in the clinic.
Please feel free to call if you have any questions. If you need a Flu shot, come up
during the afternoons starting 1/21.
Thanks,
Dr. Dekat
