Local doctor explains the latest virus, and gives tips on what to do.
By Jeff Harris, M.D., MPH/Malibu pediatrician and primary care physician
As a result of several unexpected, tragic childhood deaths in Colorado, there has been much concern about countering the latest winter influenza virus, Fijian H3N2. There has been an unexpected demand for injectable flu vaccine and supplies have been exhausted early this season. This has increased anxiety for many about how to protect themselves and their loved ones. The good news is there are many useful alternative strategies and medications that can be helpful.
Also, there has been no indication from Los Angeles County Public Health Department that this flu virus is causing severe disease like that in Colorado or infecting more people than usual. It has started its epidemic sooner than previous years. It is a type A influenza virus, which is susceptible to prevention and early treatment by a number of prescription antiviral medications, as detailed later, which are readily available. Like other viruses, it is not killed by antibiotics, which only counter bacterial infections. However, the flu virus can weaken people so that secondary bacterial infections can occur, so it pays to be educated and vigilant about these possibilities.
One alternative preventive vaccine to the flu shot is a nasal spray called FluMist; it contains weakened influenza strains that reportedly can’t cause influenza symptoms. While it was not specifically developed to fight the Fijian flu strain, some studies indicate there could be enough common antigen proteins between the viruses that the vaccine could be about 80 percent effective. Likewise, the current injectable flu vaccine was not specifically developed against the current flu strain; but again, it is hoped there is enough cross reactivity to make it effective to induce antibodies to counter the current flu strain.
Given the uncertainties of whether the flu shot or mist will work and the severity of the flu cases in Colorado, it is prudent for all of us to be more vigilant about detecting and seeking medical care for flu symptoms early. There is a variety of prescription medications such as Flumadine, Tami-flu and Relenza that can help reduce the severity and duration of this season’s flu virus. They are most helpful when given within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms. They do not help counter other viral infections such as the stomach flu or upper respiratory colds.
Typical influenza symptoms are body, joint and headaches accompanied by a slight sore throat, fever and chills and often a runny nose with slight clear mucus; chest coughs and wheezing can follow and occasionally there are stomachaches and nausea. In contrast, stomach flu viruses usually predominate with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; and cold viruses usually cause predominantly sneezing, runny nose with a lot of clear to white mucus and post-nasal drip coughing.
Be on the lookout also for unusual viral or possible secondary bacterial infection symptoms such as high fevers not responding to hydration or over-the-counter anti-fever medications, chest pains, shortness of breath, wheezy coughs, purulent yellow or green mucus, sinus pain, stiff neck and severe headache; these kinds of symptoms can indicate the need for urgent attention.
Finally, remember staying rested, well hydrated and healthy with proper exercise and nutrition can offer you and your loved ones strong foundations to counter the flu and other ailments.