This has been a bad flu season which is expected to continue into February. A grandmother told me the other day that her two grandchildren were just getting flu shots. I was surprised. It was not a question of money or time. A good article in today's New York Times by Kate Murphy stated that the present flu immunization was reported to be just about 10% effective. In people with serious underlying health issues or children with poor immunity the risk of getting the flu is even greater.
The article stated that drinking lots of fluids was important. That of course is always wise with a fever. If you have a cough, it is not wise to take medicine that suppresses coughs. That can just create more problems. In this cold weather, I worry when I see people wearing just thin T-shirts or children without adequate sweaters or warm hats. Often the parents have on warm clothes and yet the children do not.
Staying out of crowds and being a little less active is a good idea. I am amazed when I see runners in skimpy clothes in very cold weather. I guess they think they are indestructible.
If you have a fever, a persistent cough and are not getting better, a chest X-ray may be wise. I had two friends during one flu season who both ended up with quite severe pneumonia. Both had seen doctors but chest X-rays were not done They paid a high price for this omission.
Comments