There’s no such thing as a good flu season, but 2017-2018 is shaping up to be particularly dangerous. Amidst the many deaths and terrifying complications, there has been plenty of chaos. Nurses understand and even share your fear of the flu. However, NurseCore knows that the best way to combat the flu is to spread information that can help families stay safe and healthy this flu season. This is what nurses wish everyone knew about the flu:
It Has Deadly Complications
This fact isn’t meant to scare worried parents, but rather encourage everyone to take the flu seriously. Influenza itself rarely is the cause of death. However, this virus can cause plenty of life-threatening complications.
Sepsis, inflammation in the lungs, secondary bacterial infections, infections in the heart, and brain swelling can all cause death when someone has the flu. While these complications are more common in the very young, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, anyone can fall victim to the flu and its co-morbid infections. If you or a loved one has the flu, be sure to know the signs of complications and get help when you need it.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
For many patients, it can be difficult to tell when to head the ER and when to ride it out. After all, normal flu symptoms and emergency signs can be similar. The flu can be particularly dangerous for infants. If your baby shows these signs, do not hesitate to visit the ER:
- Unable to eat or nurse
- Difficulty breathing
- Cries but no tear form
- A significant drop in number of wet diapers
In children, these are the symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing, including fast breathing
- Blue skin tone
- The child cannot keep fluids down
- You cannot wake the child or interact with them
- Fever and rash present together
- The child seems to get better, then the symptoms return with fever and cough
Adults should seek immediate medical attention for these signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Sudden-onset dizziness
- Discomfort and pain in the chest
- Confusion beyond what is normal for that person
- Severe vomiting leading to dehydration
- The adult gets better, but then the symptoms return with fever and cough
You Should Get Your Shot
As a savvy healthcare consumer, you likely heard that this year’s flu vaccine is “not effective” or “less effective.” You may hear that the vaccine is 36 percent effective this year. However, this is an oversimplification of what’s happening. As the flu virus evolves and changes, people need different vaccines to fight against new strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must predict which new strains will affect more people in the coming year. Sometimes, the researchers predict this more accurately than other years. However, you should get your flu shot every year, even in “ineffective” years.
No, this isn’t a scam for nurses to get kickbacks from vaccine manufacturers. Our nurses get fair pay, but it is not dependent on how many people get the shot. First of all, a 36 percent reduction in your chances of getting the flu is exactly 36 percent better than not getting the shot at all. Think of it like washing your hands. Sure, it’s not 100 percent effective in preventing illness, but it’s a lot better than doing nothing. In fact, it’s best to use the vaccine as one part of a full toolbelt of flu-prevention techniques.
Furthermore, if you do get the flu, a recent vaccine can help it be less serious. Remember that the flu can be fatal. Any chance of making it less miserable and potentially fatal is a good thing. Remember that the only time it’s too late to get your vaccine is when you’re already sick. It’s better to go get your preventative medicine early in the season, but late is much better than too late.
Other Prevention Techniques
Like we said, the flu vaccine is only one part of prevention. Even if you get your shot like clockwork, you should take other prevention methods like thorough hand washing. Click here to see how the CDC recommends washing your hands. Below are some other important ways to help avoid the spread of this dangerous virus:
- Use effective disinfectants at home and work
- Avoid touching your face
- Do not come into close contact with infected people
- Stay home if you are infected
Honestly, nurses could write whole volumes about how they feel about the flu. However, these basics will help keep your family safe. Truly, that’s what nurses want most in the world.
Resources:
The Flu is Killing Up to 4,000 Americans a Week
What This Nurse Wants You to Know About the Flu
CDC – Flu Symptoms and Complications
This Year’s Flu Shot is Only 36% Effective. Why You Should Still Get It
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