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An ounce of prevention: TRMC-Sunnyvale reminds the community that flu season isn't over
By Zach Markovic, zmarkovic@starlocalnews.com
Winter may be over, but North Texans need to remain vigilant about the flu and do what they can do to avoid getting sick this spring.
About 5-20 percent of U.S. residents get the flu each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is why Texas Regional Medical Center in Sunnyvale is making sure patients and residents are aware of how to prevent the disease.
"Early intervention lessens the severity and the spread of an illness," said Dr. Jense Benjamin, a family medicine specialist at Benjamin Medical Associates in Mesquite.
"This study is reassuring in light of recent reports that flu vaccination can be less effective in older adults," said Dr. H. Keipp Talbot, lead author of the study and a Vanderbilt medical researcher.
The study, titled "Effectiveness of influenza vaccine for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations in adults, 2011-2012 influenza season," was published online in the journal, "Clinical Infectious Diseases," on Feb. 28.
It's estimated that more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year from flu-related illness. Older adults, specifically those 65 years of age and older, typically account for 60 percent of these flu-related hospitalizations each year and about 90 percent of flu-related deaths.
Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, and most people more than 6 months old should get the vaccine if they haven't already. And here are a few other tips from Texas Regional Medical Center at Sunnyvale:
• Although contrary to popular belief, seasonal flu symptoms in adults do not usually include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; such symptoms are more common in children. Many other viruses, parasites and bacteria can cause these symptoms. Bacterial pneumonia and dehydration are common flu-related complications.
• Wash your hands. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to stop the spread of germs.
Also, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and always use a tissue.
"If a tissue isn't available, sneeze or cough into the crease of the elbow," Benjamin said. "Don't use your hands because that will spread germs to others."
• Stay home when sick. Consider it a public service to the others around you, and keep sick children home from school when they are sick.
• Step up good health habits.
"Now is a great time to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat healthier," Benjamin said. "Keep your immune system strong."
Visit flu.gov for tips on staying healthy.
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