The state Department of Health is urging people to get their flu shots before the peak of the flu season from January to February. Elderly persons and those with respiratory problems are at higher risk of medical problems if they
The state Department of Health is urging people to get their flu shots before the peak of the flu season from January to February.
Elderly persons and those with respiratory problems are at higher risk of medical problems if they don’t receive treatment after getting the flu, said Tracy Ayers, an Oahu-based influenza surveillance coordinator with the health department.
Common complications of the flu are pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and lung infections.
Only five influenza cases have been reported so far statewide, none on Kaua’i, Ayers said, adding more cases haven’t been reported because people aren’t seeking treatment. They figure “the flu is going to pass in 24 hours” or that it will run its course over two to seven days, she said.
Reported cases also are low because Hawai’i is still a few months away from the height of the flu season, Ayers said.
The flu season generally runs from the end of September to May nationwide.
Vaccinations from personal doctors or at health department outlets on Kaua’i are the best defense against the flu bug, Ayers said.
“There is still enough time to get the shots,” she observed.
Production of the flu vaccine by manufacturers was delayed last year, and availability – presumably for the same reason – will be limited through October, health officials said.
If you get hit by the flu bug, rest, take anti-viral medicine and drink liquids, Ayers recommended.
Influenza, which is highly contagious, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is caused by a virus. The germs can spread from cell to cell inside the body and can be caught by contact with someone infected with the virus.
People with the flu contaminate anything they touch – doorknobs, telephones and faucets, resulting in the virus being passed onto others.
Children are more likely to catch the flu because they are less able to fight the viruses, since they are in more contact with people and because of poor hygiene.
Flu symptoms include chills, fever, headache, aches, weakness and a sore throat and runny nose.
Ways to protect yourself against the flu include washing hands, avoiding crowds and refraining from sharing personal items such as towels, cups and razors.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
