Flu or influenza is an illness caused by a germ known as the influenza virus. The flu spreads easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and touching the mouth or nose after handling things that have been used by a person ill with the flu.

Influenza spreads easily among children younger than five since they tend to come into close contact with each other more often, especially during play. To make matters worse, sick children pass on the influenza to their parents and relatives more frequently than grown-ups.

A person who gets influenza will start passing on the virus one day before feeling ill and will continue up to seven days after becoming unwell. Everyone is at risk of getting the flu each winter, even if an individual was ill with influenza in the past, as the influenza virus changes its form every year.

The flu is different from the common cold, which is a mild illness that causes a blocked and runny nose, a sore throat and sometimes a mild fever. The flu starts with a very high temperature, shivers, headaches, pain in the muscles, and a cough. Children with the flu might also have diarrhoea and vomiting.

Healthy people generally recover completely without any complications. The treatment of influenza includes taking paracetamol to reduce fever and pain in the throat and muscles, and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Aspirin should never be given to children as it might cause very serious complications. Antibiotics are not prescribed unless the doctor suspects that there is a complication.

Anyone who is ill with the flu should stay at home to prevent spreading the illness to others. Sick children should never be allowed to go to school until they have recovered.

When coughing or sneezing, the nose and mouth should be covered with a tissue that is then disposed of in a closed bin. After that, hands must always be washed with warm water and soap.

Certain children and grown-ups have an increased risk of getting bronchitis or a chest infection which may be serious and require treatment in hospital. Those who suffer from asthma and have heart, liver, lung or kidney disease are particularly at risk. People who are diabetic or have a problem with the immune system are also prone to bronchitis, as are people who are healthy but older than 55 years of age.

The best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. This can prevent serious complications that could even be fatal. Individuals who care for other people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other caring institutions should also get the flu jab to protect themselves and the people they are caring for.

Since the virus changes its form over time, annual vaccinations are necessary – usually at the start of November. The flu vaccine is very safe, even during pregnancy, and it is impossible for anyone to become sick with the flu after having the jab.

Side effects from the influenza vaccine are uncommon. However, some individuals might feel mild pain, or redness and swelling where the injection was received. Some people also feel tired and experience muscle pain, sweating, shivering and a slight fever after the jab. These side effects are mild and disappear within a couple of days without any treatment.

People allergic to eggs or any of the components used in the jab cannot take the flu vaccine.
Children younger than six months should also not be vaccinated. Individuals who have fever or are ill should wait until they are well again before receiving the jab.

Prevention is better than cure. The Department of Health gives this vaccine free of charge to over 55s and to those who suffer from chronic illness or who are at a higher risk of experiencing complications.

Vaccines are administered at health centres and local councils from early November. Individuals who are not considered to be at risk but wish to take the influenza vaccine should contact their doctor or pharmacist to book this year’s vaccine.

Parents who wish to protect their healthy children from influenza should speak to their doctor.

Influenza is a common illness that can be prevented. Protect yourself and others by getting the flu vaccine.

Article written by the Malta Advisory on Immunisation Policy.

Source: The Sunday Times, November 2, 2008

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