How to Cope with the Flu Season

Dr. Samar Shehaiber, D.C. RRT        

This is the time of year when the flu season begins; the achiness, congestion, sore throats, fevers, and coughs take over and dominate for weeks.  Peak influenza activity occurs from December to March, with January and February being the most frequent months. Outbreaks can, however, occur earlier or later in temperate climates and throughout the year in tropical zones.  Have you ever wondered why you get more colds and respiratory infections in fall and winter months? One reason may be because there is less sunshine, which is necessary for your body to produce vitamin D.   Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency in blood levels below 10 ng/ml were about 40% more likely to report a recent respiratory infection than those who had vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml. Asthma and COPD patients were at even greater risk.

There are 3 types of influenza virus, two of which cause human disease: These are influenza A and B.  Influenza A viruses are associated with pandemics and have higher morbidity and mortality rates, whereas influenza B virus results in milder infection.  Influenza viruses are spread from person to person by contact with infected respiratory droplets.  Once it settles, it lasts 1-5 days.  Adults are infectious for 1 day prior to symptom onset and 5 days following symptom onset. Children can be infectious for 10 days or more following symptom onset. Immuno-compromised individuals may shed virus for weeks or months.  Humans are the reservoir for influenza B, whereas influenza A can infect both animals and humans.

The first sign to tell if you have the flu and not just a cold is if you have a fever.  Usually a fever will ensue at a high of 100º to 102ºF, and occasionally higher especially in younger children to about 104ºF, and lasts 3-4 days.  Patients present with sudden onset of fever 101-102°F, muscle aches, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis (nasal congestion). Another sign may be the oncoming of headaches, mostly sinus type headaches.  With the flu you will have general aches and pains that are more severe than in colds.  Fatigue and weakness will last up to 2-3 weeks, with extreme exhaustion at the beginning of the illness.  Congestion or stuffy nose is more common in colds but can also accompany the flu, along with sneezing, sore throat and chest discomfort or cough. 

Children may also have nausea, vomiting, and otitis media (middle ear infection). Symptoms typically resolve in 3-7 days, but cough and malaise (body aches) may last for 2 weeks or longer.  

Although most people recover from both colds and flu without significant problems, there can be complications. Possible complications from a cold include sinus infection, middle ear infection and asthma.  The flu, however, can have more serious complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  For patients with chronic heart or pulmonary conditions, influenza infections can lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, or both.

In children, influenza can present in similar fashion to bacterial sepsis with high fevers and febrile seizures.

Additional complications include encephalopathy, transverse myelitis, Myositis, myocarditis, pericarditis (All infections of the heart), and Reye's syndrome ( A childhood complication from Aspirin overdosing).The incidence of Reye's syndrome increases with the use of aspirin; therefore, this and other salicylates-containing medications are not recommended for any influenza-like illness in children.

 The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year. Influenza may be diagnosed via nasopharyngeal swab using viral culture which is the Gold standard.

For prevention, wash hands frequently and disinfect any surfaces with antimicrobial disinfectants.  Rest and get enough sleep.  Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.  Avoid highly processed foods, especially those that are rich in sugar and deep fried components.  Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and foods that are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidant components.  Supplement with probiotics to build healthy bacteria in your gut and whole food supplements to ensure optimal ongoing nourishment of all organ systems.  Stay active with fitness and sweat it out.