Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral illness spread by direct contact (touching) or by respiratory droplets (from sneezing).
Peak season is usually in the fall, although the flu season has been known to last well into May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report on average that 5 percent to 20 percent of the American population becomes infected annually, and more than 200,000 people will require hospitalization.
The agency estimates that about 36,000 individuals will die from the flu this season. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue. The flu can also result in additional complications, such as bacterial pneumonia and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma and congestive heart failure.
This is one instance where an ounce of prevention might indeed be worth a pound of cure.
Preventing the flu is best achieved by annual vaccinations. Although vaccination is not 100-percent effective, it dramatically reduces the chances of contracting the illness.
Vaccinations must be given annually because the virus changes or mutates every year, making previous vaccines ineffective in the treatment of new viruses or strains.
For those who do catch the flu, there have historically been very few remedies other than staying indoors, getting rest and nursing oneself back to health.
However, in recent years, advances have produced a number of antiviral medications, which, if taken within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness by one to two days.
Some of these medications have even been shown to significantly reduce the number of hospitalizations. But just when researchers thought they were getting the upper hand, the virus pulled a trick out of its survival bag - it mutated. Researchers were shocked recently to find that this year's strain of the flu had transformed sufficiently to become resistant to two of the most popular antiviral medications.
In a recent press release from the CDC, it was announced that the predominant strain of influenza circulating in the U.S. (H3N2) was resistant to the two common antiviral medications, amantadine and rimantadine.
"This is certainly unexpected news, as we now have to remove a few tools from our tool box that we use to combat influenza," said CDC Director Julie Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., in the press release.
"Thankfully, we still have antivirals available that work, but this new development serves as a reminder of the importance of getting people vaccinated to prevent them from getting influenza in the first place."
The agency reports that Tamiflu and Relenza, two other popular medications used to relieve flu symptoms, are still effective against this year's viral strain.
They belong to a different class of medication than amantadine and rimantadine. The CDC is advising physicians not to prescribe amantadine or rimantadine to patients suffering from the flu.
In addition to being ineffective, they can produce unwanted side effects like nausea, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia and even seizures.
"Health care professionals and the general public should become more aware of the viral resistance trend and be cautious when prescribing and consuming antiviral medications," said Maria Bain, Pharm.D., M.B.A., the co-chair of the Medications Channel for Revolution Health Group's Medical Advisory Board.
"Tamiflu and Relenza are among the very few defenses left against the flu," she cautioned. "To prevent development of Tamiflu- and Relenza-resistant influenza virus, we all should be more cautious with these medications."
To help prevent catching the flu, Bain recommends:
- Getting annual flu vaccines
- Reserving Tamiflu and Relenza for people who truly have the flu
- Finishing the prescription once it's started
- Washing hands frequently with antibacterial soap or sanitizer liquid
- Covering face when sneezing and coughing
Physicians and patients alike should be made aware that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine. The CDC reports that 18 states now have either widespread or regional outbreaks, and there are still a number of locations where the vaccine is offered.
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This article is from MyDNA.com
© 2006 MyDNA.com