1. Watch for Secondary Infections
For many, the flu season simply means some sniffles, a few days of missed work and general inconvenience. But for the elderly, young and immune compromised, flu season can be very dangerous. Each season five to 20 percent of the population suffers from the flu, and about 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus can be particularly devastating for the elderly, causing secondary and long lasting conditions like pneumonia. Recently, some patients have become infected with drug-resistant staph infections after suffering from influenza. The CDC says the risk of contracting the infection after the flu is low, but they are working to better understand the connection between the two illnesses. Since the flu weakens the immune system, it's very important to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well and drinking lots of fluids while you are sick to prevent further infection.
2. Consider Chronic Conditions
Because influenza kicks the immune system into full gear to drive out the virus, other conditions already in the body may take advantage of the impaired immune function and flourish. Diabetes is particularly lethal when the body is bogged down by the flu, as sufferers are three times more likely to die of influenza or pneumonia. Those with chronic bronchitis and emphysema suffer further too because the flu augments lung problems. Similarly, children with asthma are affected greatly by influenza and the American Lung Association estimates that 100,000 hospitalizations would be prevented each year if every asthmatic child received the flu vaccine.
3. Prevent Reye's Syndrome
A common household fixture may be lethal to children when taken during the flu: Reye's syndrome is a rare condition with a swift onset and occurs when children under the age of 18 take aspirin during a viral infection like influenza. The child's liver and brain swell, causing symptoms of persistent vomiting, lethargy, weakness, aggression and loss of consciousness. It is imperative to act quickly and call a doctor immediately if you think your child has Reye's syndrome.
