Sneezing, fever and coughs… oh my!!
Guess what time of the year it is? That’s right! Dreaded flu season. Everyone just take a moment and remember how awful the strain was last year. The news reported multiple deaths caused by the flu which was terrifying in general, but especially because I had just had my youngest daughter! Per the CDC, 180 pediatric deaths were reported for the 2017-2018 “Flu season”. Can you believe that?? Get more info here.
It blows my mind how that number increased over the past few years! I was determined not to step a foot outside of the house for fear of catching the flu, but obviously that was not realistic! I did my very best with prevention, but the girls and I still ended up with the flu…all at the same time, nonetheless!
I dread sending my kiddo to school, going grocery shopping and basically doing anything in the general public. I bathe my children in sanitizer when we are out and about because GERMS. ARE. EVERYWHERE.
The awful thing about the flu is usually people don’t realize it’s the flu until they have already passed that time frame for medication to work! They have already spread their glorious germs to everyone that has been around them so it is like a wildfire. Flu wildfire. And the WORST part…people don’t stay home and quarantined when they are ill!!!
This year, I want to be better prepared and keep myself and my babies as healthy as possible! I have done my research and I even reached out to a friend, Emily Dosier, MD, and asked for her best advice to avoid the flu! She provided some EXCELLENT prevention and treatment tips for flu season!
Flu Prevention Tips:
- Flu Vaccination–Dr. Dosier says they typically see an increase of cases from November on, so getting the vaccine before the end of October is ideal. Per Dr. Dosier:
“One thing to be aware of is the vaccination DOES NOT cause the flu which is one misconception. It is a killed vaccine meaning the components are in NO way able to cause the flu.”Keep in mind – ages 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine! It is safe and the goal is the protect against the most common strains. Everyone should be aware it is a prediction of what will likely be the most common strains so some years the vaccine does not cover as well as hoped. BUT those who get the flu AND have had the vaccine have it at a much lesser degree/severity compared to the population that does not get the vaccine!LONG STORY SHORT – VACCINE GOOD!! - Good Hand Washing and Use of Sanitizers –These may seem like a no-brainer but a lot of times we are in a hurry or our kiddos do not get the importance of this! Good hand hygiene is important in helping prevent spread of disease and infections. For kids, Dr. Dosier recommends teaching them to sing their ABC’s while scrubbing with soap before rinsing with water!
- Keep Clear of Sick Individuals – This too seems obvious, but think about how often we “run into the store” or when we go to work, school, church etc. You almost can’t avoid it so you have to make excellent judgment calls! See tip 2!! I know between my sister and I, it seems like our kids pass back and forth illnesses! We are extra cautious when one of our kiddos does not feel well, but definitely more so during flu season. Just be cautious and aware of your surroundings, have that “germ” radar on!
- Prevention Treatment – For certain high risk populations, prophylaxis that could be available. Tamiflu prophylaxis is only meant for certain people who if were to get the flu, would be at an increased risk of serious complications like pneumonia. It is not meant for everyone who has been exposed. IF you think you fall into this category, it is highly recommended you speak to your family physician.
- Cleaning Up After Yourself – Encourage the sick individual to clean up their own tissues and keep their area sanitized. This will help keep the risk of spreading illness down. Germs spread like wildfire.
If you do get the flu, here are some quick tips to help with treatment:
- Tamiflu – Tamiflu is available but not everyone must take it. Most of the time in a healthy individual, the resolves on its own. High Risk (young, lung diseases-COPD, etc) Tamiflu can help decrease the amount of days one would remain ill which can be beneficial. There are side effects and everyone should absolutely read the inserts before taking the medicine and contact your physician if you experience any issues!
- Fluids & Rest – Yes, the old school way of recovery! Supportive treatments alone can help to relieve symptoms and in most, is all that is needed! In a typical person, the flu will resolve on its on in its own time by your immune system fighting the infection. Rest, fluids and over the counter medications can be taken if you feel that would be helpful.
- Symptoms – Watch your symptoms closely. Individuals with the flu do become “at risk” for getting other illnesses as well. Watch your symptoms closely and if you feel as though your symptoms are worsening after the diagnosis, you should be reevaluated by your doctor.
Flu season is a beast and of course with our kiddos being in school and having littles at home, it is almost impossible to keep them in a preventative state. What we want to do is keep our kids, and ourselves, in a bubble with a sanitizing shield but that is not an option of course. With these tips & reminders my hope is that you and your family will remain FLU-FREE and healthy all season long!! Putting out those positive vibes will do the trick I’m sure.
A huge thank you to Dr. Emily Dosier in Canton, Texas for sharing her quick tips for flu prevention and treatment!
Sending Healthy thoughts to all of you in the DMB Tribe! Good luck Mommas!
