Page 142 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

HEALTHY LIVING no excuses
Even though it’s December, it’s not too late to get your annual flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and local physicians. As long as the virus is circulating, it’s important to guard against it.
“Flu season typically begins in October and lasts through spring, with a peak in flu cases between December and February,” says Ocean Springs pediatrician Van Wurm, M.D.
The flu vaccine reduces your chance of getting flu and often helps protect against serious cases of the virus that can result in hospitalization or even death. According to Wurm, flu is difficult to prevent because flu viruses are continually changing. “Each year, flu vaccines are formulated in an attempt to provide protection against the most prevalent circulating flu viruses,” he adds.
Dr. Priyanka Srivastav, internal medicine physician with Singing River Health System, has been administering two different adult flu vaccines. One for adults under age 65 and another
for those 65 and older. According to Srivastav, the one given to the older age group contains an additive. This additive has been shown to create a stronger immune response to the flu.
Srivastav, who has yet to see flu
in her practice this season, feels the best way — other than the vaccine
— to prevent flu is to maintain clean hygiene. “Avoid contact with anyone infected with the flu,” she adds.
She also recommends using a mask, especially if you’re around those who are coughing, and maintain frequent hand washing.
Wurm has seen sporadic cases of flu among children in his clinic. “Children younger than five, and especially younger than two, are at a higher risk of complications from the flu,” he said. “For most people who contract the flu, it is a self-limited illness that improves
on its own, without complications. However, the flu does not affect everyone equally: those with chronic illnesses or immune compromise are more likely to have a more serious course with the flu.”
Flu is often treated with Tamiflu and although this drug does not make the virus resolve immediately, it oftentimes shortens the length and severity of the illness. Srivastav reminds, however, that Tamiflu can only be prescribed if the illness is diagnosed early. So, if one believes they have flu symptoms, such as fever, aches and pains, fatigue and sometimes chest congestion, runny nose and store throat, they should immediately seek medical attention.
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IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR A
story by Alexis Williams