Flu season is just around the corner
By Dr. Terry Shlimbaum, Special Writer
The holidays are around the corner, and so is the dreaded “flu” season.
One of the things that makes the flu different from cold viruses is its relative severity.
The flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms:
• Fever (usually high).
• Headache.
• Tiredness (can be extreme).
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Body aches.
• Diarrhea and vomiting also may occur, but are more common in children.
These symptoms are often referred to as “flu-like symptoms.” A lot of different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
Medications do exist to help prevent the flu if you have been exposed to it. These medications also can be used to treat influenza, but only work if started within the first 24 to 48 hours of symptom development.
These medications are not recommended for use in children less than 1 year of age. As with the vaccine, it is especially important to consider use of these medications in people at higher risk for complications.
In healthy individuals, influenza is usually not a severe disease. If you develop flu-like symptoms, you may want to consult your family physician to discuss the possible benefits of early treatment.
Rarely do people require hospitalization for flu unless complications develop.
Complications are more likely to occur in people who have chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people over 65 and young children.
There are some “emergency warning signs” that require urgent medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control recommend children with the following emergency warning signs seek urgent medical attention:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing.
• Bluish skin color.
• Not drinking enough fluids.
• Not waking up or not interacting.
• Being so irritable the child does not want to be held.
• Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough.
• Fever with a rash.
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
Seek medical care immediately. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above signs.
When you arrive, tell the reception staff you think you have the flu. You may be asked to wear a mask and/or sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.
If you experience any of these symptoms you should contact your physician about treatment.
If you do not have a physician, call the Hunterdon Medical Center Physician Referral Service at 800-511-4HMC.

