SENIOR CITIZENS & THE FLU: PART II
The flu has been particularly hard on infants and the elderly this season and as we discussed in Part I of Senior Citizens and the Flu, although the flu shot is readily available, the rate of effectiveness for the elderly has only been 9 percent according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Meaning, there is a good chance that many senior citizens have or could catch the flu even if they had a flu shot.
While the majority of people recover from the flu without treatment in approximately one week, people who are 65 or older and have underlying health problems, such as lung or heart disease, may be at higher risk of developing complications from the influenza virus. Therefore, if you live or work with infants or the elderly, it is very important to keep in mind that over-the-counter medications may relieve some flu symptoms but do not make you less contagious.
If you experience symptoms of the flu, try to get plenty of rest and prevent dehydration by drinking clear fluids, such as water, broth, sports drinks or electrolyte beverages. A humidifier may help you to breath easier, while snuggling up in a warm blanket will help prevent chills. If you are experiencing a fever, a cool, slightly damp washcloth placed on your forehead, arms or legs could ease your discomfort.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “there are four antiviral drugs approved for treating the flu in the United States—oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), amantadine (generic), and rimantadine (Flumadine).” Antiviral medications are most effective when started within the first two days of getting sick and may make your illness milder as well as prevent serious complications.
There are also several illnesses that have similar symptoms as the flu, including bacterial pneumonia and other kind of viruses, so how do you know when your symptoms are a sign of the flu? When in doubt, consult your doctor as soon as possible, especially if you experience any new ailments, if the symptoms are sudden and severe or if you have any underlying conditions, such as a weakened immune system, cancer or heart condition. According to AARP, some symptoms you should never ignore include:
Sudden Intense Headache
Severe pain that “peaks in seconds to minutes in any part of the head, could signal a ruptured aneurysm, a blood vessel in your brain that suddenly bursts, requiring immediate attention.” Other possible causes of a sudden intense headache include cardiac cephalgia, meningitis, temporal arteritis or even shingles.
Chest Pain
Any intense discomfort, heaviness or pressure of your chest could be a sign of a heart attack, especially if you experience pain radiating down an arm, nausea, vomiting, sweating and shortness of breath. Heart attack symptoms in women may be more subtle, such as “fatigue, a burning sensation or upper abdominal pain” but are no less serious. Call 911 immediately!
High or Persistent Fever
It is common knowledge that a fever is your body’s way of fighting an infection but if you have a fever of 103 degrees or higher, consult a doctor immediately. A high fever could be a result of a virus, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, endocarditis or meningitis, which may require antibiotics or even hospitalization. You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have a persistent low-grade fever for several weeks as you could have some type of infection, such as a sinus infection, or it could be a sign of something more serious, including lymphoma and leukemia.
Shortness of Breath
A sudden shortness of breath can be caused by several factors, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an irregular heart rhythm, congestive heart failure or heart disease but it could also be caused by a pulmonary embolism. Do not wait for your symptoms to worsen, if you experience difficulty breathing for any reason, consult a doctor immediately.
Whether you are experiencing the first symptoms of the flu or one of the symptoms listed above, as the old adage goes, “better safe than sorry,” especially when it comes to your health.
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