The influenza season is upon us once again. While flu is common and those afflicted usually recover uneventfully, this viral infection could be serious, or even fatal, for some people as discussed below. Statistics worldwide cite between 250,000 to half a million die of flu complications each year.
What is influenza?
Commonly known as “Flu,” “Grippe” or “Grip,” influenza is a specific acute viral respiratory disease characterized by fever, coryza (cold or “sipon”), cough, malaise, headache, and inflamed respiratory mucous membranes. During this flu season people usually take drug remedies for cold, cough, sneezing and congestion. The US FDA in November 2000 warned the public that some these over-the-counter and even prescription cold and flu medications (and diet pills too!) contain an ingredient in them that could cause fatal cerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), an issue we shall discuss in more details below.
What causes influenza?
The viruses that cause Flu are called orthomyxoviruses, tiny “germs” who sizes vary from 80-120 nm. They are classified into types A, B and C. Type A is the most common single cause of Flu. Type B causes epidemics about every five years. Type C is not a very prevalent virus. The Influenza pandemic of 1918 left more than 20 million people dead. In the winter 2002, the flu viruses were: A/Moscow, A/New Caldeonia, and B/Hongkong.
How does it spread?
Flu is a very contagious illness. It spreads by person-to-person contact. Airborne droplet spray (from sneezing or coughing) into the atmosphere infects people and contaminates objects that can transmit the infection. This is why persons who have the Flu are advised to cover their nose and mouth. Washing hands frequently is highly recommended to limit the transmission of the virus.
Who have the greatest risk?
Persons of all ages are afflicted, but school children are most prone to catch the Flu. People at highest risk of developing severe disease are those with chronic lung disease and valvular heart disease, and those with lung congestion. The elderly, the very young, the bedridden and women in their third trimester of pregnancy are also at great risk. Deaths have been reported following a bout of Flu in these groups, especially those who are old and bedridden.
Why is aspirin unsafe for children?
Aspirin was once used among children like water. However, since about 1963, a fatal condition known as Reye’s syndrome was discovered and was linked to the use of aspirin, which increases the risk of having the syndrome by as much as 35-fold. The cause is still unknown but viral agents (Influenza A or B and Chicken Pox virus) have been implicated. With aspirin ingestion among children under 18 years of age, children can develop acute encephalitis, go into a coma and die. Today, pediatricians no longer prescribe aspirin and prefer acetominophen (Tylenol) for fever and aches and pains in children.
What are the other measures to prevent the flu?
Having a healthy lifestyle helps a lot in warding off many forms of illnesses. This includes high fiber, low-fat diet, no smoking, daily exercises, taking multivitamins daily, including Vitamins B, C and E, and the mineral Zinc. Most one-a-day multivitamins already include these. Flu vaccines are now available, and are recommended to be taken by adults October 15th-November 15th each year. This annual Flu shot (4-strain version) has been found to be 75 percent effective in preventing flu. It also reduces the severity of the disease and can even be lifesaving for some people. Both the person with the Flu and those around him/her should be careful to prevent airborne droplet transmission of the virus and infection by contaminated items. Kissing, handshaking or any form of physical contact can transmit the virus. Again, simple, old fashioned hand-washing that we learned in kindergarten can prevent infection.
Is there a painless way to get the vaccine?
Yes, there is, without the needle. Flu Mist is a nasal spray vaccine that is now available in the United States, Europe and Asia. Ask you physician about it.
What is the treatment for the flu?
Generally, the treatment is symptomatic: Bed rest to conserve energy and minimize malaise. To reduce fever and body aches, antipyretic-analgesic (anti-fever-anti-pain) pills (Tylenol) is given. To feed and hydrate the patient, lugao, arroz caldo, chicken soup, juices, water, other oral fluids, etc. Sponge bath or cold compress over the forehead, if fever goes above 39 C (102 F). The physician might prescribe an antibiotic if he/she suspects a superimposed bacterial infection, and antiviral drugs for those who are at high risk of developing complications. As always, prevention is most essential.
What is the FDA drug warning about?
The Yale University Hemorrhagic Stroke Project researchers found that a common ingredient in many cold, flu and diet medications called Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride (PPA) increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain). Many of these drugs are sold over the counter and some of them are prescription drugs, which physicians have prescribed over the years, until the recent FDA warning about the dangers of PPA.
What are these medications in the US?
Any medication containing Phenylpropanolamine Hydrocholoride, or diet aid ephedra (ma-huang, which is converted to PPA when ingested), can potentially cause brain hemorrhage and death, according to the Yale study. Some products with PPA include Dimetapp, Vicks DayQuill Sinus caplets, Robitussin CF, Comtrex, Tavist-D, some Triaminic products, Contac 12-hour, some Alka Seltzer Plus cold medications, appetite suppressants like Acutrim and Dexatrim.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: [email protected]
