Influenza, commonly known as the "flu," is a contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. The flu is transmitted when a person who has the flu coughs or sneezes, propelling the virus in the air. When other people inhale the virus, it enters the nose, throat or lung and starts to multiply, causing the symptoms of the flu.

Symptoms and signs of influenza include high fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or more), dry cough, chills and sweats, muscular aches and pain (especially in the back, arms or legs), fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Most people who get the flu will usually recover in one to two weeks. However, some people develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia. Today, about 20,000 people die in the United States from the flu and 150,000 to 2000,000 people are hospitalized each year. One is at risk for severe illness and complications if he or she has chronic problems such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney diseases, or has an impaired immune system such as HIV infection.

Three types of viruses cause the flu. Type A influenza is the type that is responsible for worldwide epidemics. Type B causes localized outbreaks. And type C, which is less common, causes mild illness. Types A and B are changing constantly with new strains of viruses appearing on a regular basis.

Most outbreaks in the U.S. occur between October and May with peak season usually occurring in late December to early March. Yearly flu vaccination can prevent the illness most of the time. The Center for Disease Control recommends the flu vaccine for the following groups:

• Anyone who is 50 years of age or older.


• Anyone who is six months to 50 years of age with medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney problems, diabetes and blood disorders.


• Anyone who lives in a long-term health facility such as nursing homes or other chronic care facility.


• Anyone who has a weak immune system such from HIV, leukemia, or medications like steroids and those medications taken after organ transplants.


• Anyone who works in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza such as physicians, nurses and family members.


• Anyone who wants to lessen the risk of contracting the flu.


• The best time to get the flu vaccine is in October or November each year. However, vaccination even given later as in December or January can still be beneficial. The vaccine is updated yearly because the viruses are constantly changing.

Once the vaccine is given, protection will not start for about two weeks and lasts for about a year. You should not get the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs or to a previous dose of flu vaccine or if there is a history of severe disease that causes paralysis, called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

One concern people have about the vaccine is possibly contracting the flu from the vaccine itself. Well, I am here to tell you that it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine because the viruses in the vaccine are killed. However, side effects may be encountered such as swelling, redness and pain at the location where the vaccine was administered, low-grade fever and aches. Usually these symptoms resolve in one to three days.

Flu vaccine can cause serious problems such as severe allergies like any medication. These include difficulty breathing, hives, and even death. The risk of causing serious problems or death is extremely small.

If you contract the flu, the following may help ease the illness:

• Drink plenty of fluid.


• Get plenty of rest.


• Use over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed for fever, body aches and pain.


• Never give aspirin to children or teenagers because of the risk of Reye Syndrome. Reye Syndrome risk is rare, but can be fatal.


• In some cases your physician may prescribe antiviral medications. These medications may reduce the severity and duration of the illness but must be taken within 24-48 hours to offer any benefit.

We recommend you see a physician if you think you have the flu and any of the chronic diseases and conditions mentioned earlier, have persistent high fever that lasts more than two days, shortness of breath, chest pain or productive cough. These symptoms may indicate bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common complication of influenza. In this case a chest X-ray will be needed and treatment would include a prescription antibiotic.

Dr. Dawalibi provides outstanding healthcare for the entire family. He is accepting new patients at Methodist Medical Group at Peartree.