Prevention and Treatment of Influenza (Flu)
Transmission
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main way influenza
viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets
of coughs and sneezes. This occurs when droplets from a cough or
sneeze of an infected person are propelled (generally up to three feet)
through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.
Though much less frequent, the viruses can also be
spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person
or an object, and then touches his/her own mouth or nose (or someone
else’s mouth or nose) before washing his/her hands. Scientific studies
show that adults can shed the virus one day before developing
symptoms, up to seven days after getting sick. Young children can shed
the
virus for longer than seven days.
Preventing Flu
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get
vaccinated each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however, the
following habits for good health can help to protect against flu.
Habits for Good Health
- The following steps may help to prevent the spread of
respiratory illnesses, such as flu:
-
Avoid close contact:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,
keep your distance from others to protect them from getting
sick too.
-
Stay home when you are sick:
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are
sick. This will help to prevent others from catching your illness.
-
Cover your mouth and nose:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
-
Clean your hands:
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth:
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs, then touches his or her eyes, nose, or
mouth.
Antiviral Medications for PREVENTING Influenza
Three antiviral drugs
(amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and
commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these
medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted
before they can be used.
Treating the Flu
Antiviral Medications for TREATING Influenza
Two antiviral drugs (oseltamivir
or zanamivir) have been approved for
treatment of the flu. All of these must be prescribed by a doctor.
Antiviral treatment lasts for five days and must be started within the
first two days of illness.
On November 13, 2006,
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved a labeling
supplement for Roche Laboratories’ Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate)
to include a precaution about neuropsychiatric events. People with
the flu, particularly children, may be at an increased risk of
self-injury and confusion shortly after taking Tamiflu and should be
closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior. A health
care
professional should be contacted immediately if the patient taking Tamiflu shows any signs of unusual behavior. Antiviral drugs are effective only against influenza
viruses; they will not help provide relief from symptoms associated with the common
cold or many other flu-like illnesses caused by viruses that
circulate in the winter.
Both of the antiviral drugs are different in terms of
who can take them, how they are given, any dosing changes based on
age or medical conditions, and side effects. Your doctor can help
you decide whether to get antivirals; and which one would be best
for you.
Top of Page
|
