Health Access Network Health Access Motto
   

Influenza Has Arrived – What You Can Do

 

By Noah Nesin, M.D. /Medical Director

Health Access Network

 

Maine and the communities of Northern Penobscot County are currently experiencing an outbreak of influenza.  Symptoms of influenza include fever, muscle aches, cough, headache, joint aches, eye pain, chills, sore throat and stuffiness.

 

There are three important interventions to protect yourself from the flu:

 

  1. If you have not yet received a flu shot, it is not too late!  It is especially important for children ages 6 months to 18 years, adults over the age of 50, anyone with chronic health problems and pregnant women.
  2. Good hygiene is critical.  Avoid close contact with those who are sick, cover your own mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  If you are sick, stay home!
  3. There are medicines available both for treatment of influenza if started within 48 hours of symptoms and to prevent illness if you have had close contact with someone who has influenza.  These days the most commonly used are oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).  Because of the type of influenza prevalent this year, zanamavir is more likely to be used.  Older drugs (amantadine and rimantadine) may be less effective and the Centers for Disaease Control and Prevention now recommend the use of the newer drugs.  When treating the illness, these medicines are usually taken for five days and when given to prevent the illness, a ten day prescription is often used.

 

If you have questions you should call your primary care provider for advice.  Working together we can limit the impact of influenza on our communities this season.