Officials Brace For 'Very Bad' Flu Season

Call it a proverb, a cliché or a accurate dose of motherly advice, but Benjamin Franklin's "an ounce of cure is worth a pound of cure" remains a valid approach this time of year.

As temperatures change from balmy to frigid, bright and sunny skies to overcast and snowy, our bodies become more susceptible to viruses and infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), much of the nation is under widespread influenza. The flu season in the United States typically occurs in the fall and winter months, according to the CDC. The report says the peak of the flu season occurs between November and March.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The virus is known to cause mild to severe sickness and sometimes resulting in death. The impact on the Sidney and Cheyenne County area indicates if you haven't had a flu shot, you probably should, according to Dr. Rebecca Allard of the Sidney Regional Medical Center Physicians Clinic.

"The indicators for this flu season are showing that this is going to be a very bad year for the flu," Dr. Allard said.

Common symptoms are fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days. Some people, however, develop complications from the infection, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The infection is further complicated when a person has asthma or chronic congestive heart failure. The CDC lists pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections as examples of complications from flu.

There are several types of flu. The most common is the seasonal flu.

"The flu shot is definitely important and is still available if you have not gotten one as of yet. The flu shot is helping those who do get the flu to have less symptoms and requires less downtime," Dr. Allard said.

Dr. Allard urges people with the flu and a fever to stay home, away from work, school, daycare, and other public exposure. She said most people should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work.

Sidney Regional Medical Center Quality Manager Bob Kentner, BSN, RN, CEN, TECRN, said the influenza virus spreads by coughing, sneezing or when droplets are spread by talking with people nearby. It is also spread when a person touches their mouth or nose after touching, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot every season, especially people who are considered at high risk.

He said the biggest concern is to stay hydrated, especially if symptoms include nausea, throwing up or diarrhea. If symtoms include difficulty breathing, be sure to go the the Emergency Room, according to Kentner.

WebMD recommends moderate exercise several times a week to reduce the risk of a cold. A proper diet and sleeping habit is also recommended.