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Family Health Magazine
PREVENTION

Preparing for an Influenza Epidemic
Self-care during a crisis

Each winter, we anticipate cold weather, snow – and flu season. Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by a virus. These viruses have the ability to change themselves from year to year, and so can cause outbreaks every winter.

Usually influenza A or influenza B is responsible for an outbreak. However, about every ten to 30 years the influenza A virus can change suddenly and significantly. A virus that has been long absent may also reappear. An influenza pandemic (world-wide epidemic) happens when one of these new viruses spreads quickly from person to person.

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through sneezing or coughing. Infected droplets enter the body through mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth. Frequent hand washing is very important in preventing the spread of the virus.

Flu symptoms usually develop one to three days after infection. Those with influenza are most infectious the day before and three to five days after symptoms begin. Symptoms include sudden fever, chills, headache, aching muscles, dry cough, extreme exhaustion, and poor appetite. Most people recover without serious problems. However, certain groups of people are at risk of complications such as pneumonia.

The best form of protection is to get an influenza immunization, or ‘flu shot,’ every year. Immunization also reduces serious illness in those who do develop influenza. Once you have the shot, it will take about two weeks to develop protection. In those who are young and healthy, the vaccine is 70 to 90 per cent effective if there is a good match between virus and vaccine. Protection lasts for about six months. Immunization also protects the elderly and those with weak immune (defence) systems because it reduces the severity and potential complications of illness. However, it is less effective in preventing infection in these people.

The best time to get immunized is usually in October or November - just before flu season. People who can spread influenza to those at high risk and those at high risk should be immunized. This includes pregnant women, young children, elderly persons, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease.

Self-care recommendations

Generally, there is no treatment for influenza so knowing how to care for yourself and your family is important. Healthy strategies for flu season can also serve as good habits during a pandemic. These include influenza immunization, proper hand washing, good respiratory etiquette when coughing or sneezing, taking caring of yourself and others, and planning ahead.

Taking care of yourself and others

Keeping yourself physically and emotionally well strengthens your immune system and reduces illness. Most people recover from influenza without any problems. However, flu can cause serious illness in the very young, those with certain medical conditions and in the elderly. These people must receive prompt medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms.

If you think you may have influenza, here are some things that you can do.

• Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
• Avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of illness.
• Drink extra fluids to help replace fluid you may lose, for instance from sweating during a fever. Warm liquids such as chicken soup can ease a sore throat, loosen mucous, and reduce coughing. Drink healthy fluids, such as a glass of water or juice, every hour while you are awake.
• A salt-water gargle (one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) or a hard candy may help a sore throat.
• A drop or two of salt water (saline) or warm tap water nose drops can soothe nasal passages and clear congestion. Non-medicated saline nasal sprays also work. Rubbing petroleum jelly under your nose can help prevent skin irritation.
• Use a humidifier or steam to loosen secretions and keep mucous membranes moist.
• Hot water bottles and heating pads can relieve muscle aches once the fever is gone. Use with caution to avoid burns.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Over-the-counter or complementary medicines may also help to relieve symptoms, so check with your doctor or pharmacist. Remember, children less than 18 years old who have flu symptoms should never use products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), such as Aspirin™. Anyone who is already on medication or who has other medical conditions should always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking another medication.
• If symptoms get worse, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Plan ahead

• Make a plan to help you to manage influenza. This is especially important if you live alone or take care of others.
• Stock enough groceries and supplies, such as juices, soups, and tissues, to last for a week or two.
• Keep a supply of medications on hand, including decongestants and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol™) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin™) to treat fever and pain. You may also want to stock nose drops and throat lozenges.
• Have a thermometer handy, and know how to read it.
• Let others know in advance if they might be called upon for help. For instance, you might need help in caring for your children if you are ill.
• Ask your employer about working from home if you must take care of someone else.
• Know who needs urgent medical attention, and be prepared to act. Young children, elderly persons, or those with existing medical conditions may require urgent medical attention for influenza.

Getting ready – on a global scale

All around the world, public health officials and organizations are on high alert for an influenza pandemic. A pandemic is very different from a local influenza outbreak. More people would become sick, their symptoms would be more severe, and more people would die. Since a pandemic would involve a completely different strain of the influenza A virus, no one would have protection against it.

Some experts believe that if a pandemic influenza occurred somewhere in the world, it might take about three months to reach Canada. Canadians would feel the greatest effect within five to seven months. Together with the provinces and territories, Health Canada has developed a plan to ensure appropriate steps are taken to protect Canadians. Influenza vaccine and anti-viral medications would be made available as quickly as possible. The plan involves slowing the spread of disease, reducing serious illness or death, and avoiding interruptions to essential services. By being prepared, you can help your family and community in the case of a crisis.