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PITTSBURG —
The annual flu menace is back and stronger than recent years.
“It is a bad year,” said Dr. Tim Stebbins, Via Christi emergency room medical director. “Looking at our numbers in the emergency room, the average is a little higher daily. We’re probably going to see an extra 150 patients this month through the ER. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but there’s usually a driver of that. This time, I’d say that’s influenza. We’ve had a lot of influenza and influenza-like illnesses lately.”
Kansas is one of the 47 states listed as having a “widespread” flu outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has attributed more than 460 deaths in the state this flu season to influenza and pneumonia.
“Flu kills a lot of people,” Stebbins said. “I haven’t seen any locally, which is great. We know nationally that the numbers show significant or major outbreaks.”
Influenza’s primary sumptoms include a high fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. But the most important thing is that if someone thinks they have it, stay home.
“Influenza is a respiratory illness. It is spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes,” Stebbins said. “That’s why we need to stay away from people. It’s amazing how far it can spread with a cough. Up to 12 feet. It can get into your system through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands and keep your fingers out of your eyes/nose/mouth.”
Children with signs of the flu should stay at home with a fever, and at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, because schools and day cares can be “little microbiology labs” if children spread the influenza virus.
There are a few treatments for the disease, notably a drug called Tamiflu. The drug works better at the start of the influenza symptoms and is almost a necessity for the very young or the very old. It doesn’t necessarily stop the virus, but it can help limit the severity and length of the symptoms.
“Most people will be OK, and get through it just fine. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, tylenol and fluids — and plenty of them. But Finally, there’s one more way to help fight the influenza outbreak, Stebbins said: Get a flu shot.
“We’re seeing influenza in the immunized as well. The ones I’ve personally seen had the shot in September or October. Most are influenza Type B. Even though they’re getting the flu, it’s less severe,” Stebbins said. “The flu shot is important. We have 18,000-20,000 flu deaths annually. Immunizations can save your life. I highly recommend that. The CDC is recommending them, it’s just that they’re in a short supply.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 140.
The annual flu menace is back and stronger than recent years.
“It is a bad year,” said Dr. Tim Stebbins, Via Christi emergency room medical director. “Looking at our numbers in the emergency room, the average is a little higher daily. We’re probably going to see an extra 150 patients this month through the ER. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but there’s usually a driver of that. This time, I’d say that’s influenza. We’ve had a lot of influenza and influenza-like illnesses lately.”
Kansas is one of the 47 states listed as having a “widespread” flu outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has attributed more than 460 deaths in the state this flu season to influenza and pneumonia.
“Flu kills a lot of people,” Stebbins said. “I haven’t seen any locally, which is great. We know nationally that the numbers show significant or major outbreaks.”
Influenza’s primary sumptoms include a high fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches. But the most important thing is that if someone thinks they have it, stay home.
“Influenza is a respiratory illness. It is spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes,” Stebbins said. “That’s why we need to stay away from people. It’s amazing how far it can spread with a cough. Up to 12 feet. It can get into your system through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands and keep your fingers out of your eyes/nose/mouth.”
Children with signs of the flu should stay at home with a fever, and at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, because schools and day cares can be “little microbiology labs” if children spread the influenza virus.
There are a few treatments for the disease, notably a drug called Tamiflu. The drug works better at the start of the influenza symptoms and is almost a necessity for the very young or the very old. It doesn’t necessarily stop the virus, but it can help limit the severity and length of the symptoms.
“Most people will be OK, and get through it just fine. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, tylenol and fluids — and plenty of them. But Finally, there’s one more way to help fight the influenza outbreak, Stebbins said: Get a flu shot.
“We’re seeing influenza in the immunized as well. The ones I’ve personally seen had the shot in September or October. Most are influenza Type B. Even though they’re getting the flu, it’s less severe,” Stebbins said. “The flu shot is important. We have 18,000-20,000 flu deaths annually. Immunizations can save your life. I highly recommend that. The CDC is recommending them, it’s just that they’re in a short supply.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 140.
