Dr. Bruce addressed the TM Rotary Club about the flu.
There are many strains of the flu virus and they continue to mutate. People continue to come down with influenza year after year due to this. The flu is highly contagious and it spreads easily. Sneezing and coughing transmit droplets from the nose and mouth. People can also get the flue through personal contact, such as handshakes or hugs, saliva, and by touching contaminated surfaces (doorknobs or faucets).
Symptoms of the flu are congestion, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, sore throat, fatigue and low fever. Many of these symptoms are shared with the common cold. The main differentiator is severity. In addition to symptoms of the common cold, the flu is often accompanied by severe body aches and headaches.
The most opportune time to treat the flu is within the first 48 hours within which symptoms occur. The flu is commonly treated with an antivirul medication, such as Tamiflu. The flu shot is recommended as the CDC states that it was effective in preventing the flu in 59% of children who received the vaccine, and 36% of adults. Individuals should not vaccinate if they have egg allergies or have had past allergic reactions to the flu vaccination. The most common side effect of the flu shot is pain at the location of the shot.