October 2, 1998
Flu season is quickly approaching and now is the time to take action for a flu-free winter.
Flu, medically referred to as influenza, is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract and is a frequent invader in the fall and winter months, according to David Guss, M.D., Director of UCSD Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine.
Although there is no way to completely guard oneself against the flu, there are several important preventive measures to take. "First and foremost, almost everyone should consider a flu shot, Guess said. "To manipulate the saying, three c.c.s. of prevention is worth a flu-free winter."
There are certain people in high-risk groups for whom the vaccine is crucial, while others should not get the shot, according to Guss. High risk groups who should get the shot include: adults or children with chronic heart, lung or kidney disorders, cystic fibrosis, asthma, diabetes, severe chronic anemia, cancer or other long term illness, or those who have received an organ transplant; people ages 65 and older; people who live in a long term care facility, children and adolescents with conditions treated over a long period with aspirin, and women who will be in the second or third semester of pregnancy during the fly season. Healthcare providers should, and are often required, to get flu shots as well.
People who should not get the fly shot include those who have had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or egg products, or a history of allergic reaction.
In the past, people have been skeptical of the flu shot, but that is a misconception. "There is a myth that the flu shot will make you sick," Guss said. "Just like other injections, there is a chance of side effects, but it also offers a better chance of staying healthy during flu season."
Studies have shown a 70 to 90 percent efficacy rate from the flu vaccine. Side effects from the vaccine can include soreness, redness and swelling in the area the shot was given (usually the arm), fever and muscle aches. This year's flu vaccine will be directed toward the following strains: A/Beijing, S/Sydney and B/Beijing.
Even after getting the flu shot, there are still necessary preventive measures. "Frequent handwashing is a good habit to get into no matter what time of year," Guss said. "But it is especially important to wash hands during cold and flu season when respiratory viruses are much more prevalent."
"Often people confuse the flu with the common cold, but to differentiate the two, pay attention to your symptoms; the flu can have very distinct symptoms," Guss said. These include: abrupt onset of fever (100 to 103 degrees in adults and often higher in children), severe body aches, cough, chills and sore throat.
Treating the flu includes getting a lot of rest and drinking a lot of liquids, Guss said. The flu and its symptoms usually last seven to 10 days. Bacterial illness such as sinusitis, middle ear infection and pneumonia can replicate a bout of influenza.
With sleep and liquids being the best treatment, it is often unnecessary to take any medication for the flu, but people will often self-medicate themselves with over the counter medications that won't do anything but make them drowsy, Guss said. "The only thing that will work are antiviral medications."
The two antiviral medications that have been shown to be effective in treating certain types of influenza infection should really only be used to treat the flu in high risk groups such as the elderly and the chronically ill.
Sharp Senior Health Center Offers Flu Vaccinations
With flu season around the corner, at-risk San Diego County residents can guard against becoming ill this year by getting a flu vaccination. Sharp Senior Health Center is offering flu shots for adults 60 years or older or those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. People with questions about whether the vaccine is appropriate for them should contact their personal physician.
Flu shots will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sharp Senior Health Center, 4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 104, San Diego, on Saturday, October 10. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 1-800-82-SHARP.
If you are allergic to eggs or you are already ill, doctors recommend that you do not receive the vaccine. No appointments are needed to receive a flu shot. An optional donation of $2 is suggested to help defray a portion of the flu vaccine costs.
With flu season around the corner, at-risk San Diego County residents can guard against becoming ill this year by getting a flu vaccination. People with questions about whether the vaccine is appropriate for them should contact their personal physician.
Dates, times and locations for vaccinations in the San Diego area include:
Wednesday, October 7, 8:30 to 11 a.m. - Sharp Cabrillo Hospital Education Center, 3475 Kenyon St., San Diego
Thursday, October 8, 9 to 11 a.m. - St. Peter's by the Sea Lutheran Church, 1371 Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
Monday, October 12, 10 a.m. to noon - The Orchards Apartments, 4040 Hancock St., San Diego
Wednesday, October 14, 9 to 11 a.m. - St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1145 Evergreen St., San Diego
Tuesday, October 20 - Chatsworth Adult Center, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd., San Diego
Monday, October 26, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. - Peninsula Family YMCA, 4390 Valeta, San Diego
If you are allergic to eggs or you are already ill, doctors recommend that you do not receive the vaccine. No appointments are needed to receive a flu shot. An optional donation of $2 is suggested to help defray a portion of the flu vaccine costs.
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center offers community flu vaccinations throughout the South Bay. Vaccinations are recommended for adults 60 years and older and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. If you are allergic to eggs or you are already ill, doctors recommend that you not receive the vaccine. Contact your physician should you have any questions. An optional $2 donation is suggested. Locations offered:
- Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center - Friday, October 9, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Birch Patrick Center, 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista. Please call 1-800-827-4277 for appointments for this location only.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel - Tuesday, October 13, 12 noon-1:30 p.m., 2020 Alaquinas Drive, San Ysidro
- Norman Park Senior Center - Friday, October 16, 12 Noon - 2:00 p.m., 270 F Street, Chula Vista
- Chula Vista Salvation Army, Tuesday, October 20, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 648 Third Avenue, Chula Vista
- Canterbury Court Senior Apartments - Monday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., 336 C Street, Chula Vista
- Wesleyan Church - Wednesday, October 28, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 5335 Sweetwater Road, Bonita
- Woodlawn Park Center - Monday, November 2, 11:00 a.m.-12 Noon, 115 Spruce Road, Chula Vista
The Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Flu Information Line is 644-4707.
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