Flu Season 2011 is Here

11/24/2009

2011-2012 Flu Season is here. What you should know to be prepared.

What do I need to know about the flu and Parkinson’s? The risk of getting the flu increases as the Fall months turn into winter. Common flu symptoms are fever, cough, malaise, aching or sore muscles, respiratory symptoms, lack of energy and less common in adults gastrointestinal symptoms. Although the flu can be caused by different viruses, a seasonal flu vaccine is available yearly with the most common virus to cause the flu is influenza type A.

The flu can be serious for some individuals especially the very young or elderly, people on immune suppressant medication, and people with chronic medical conditions including Parkinson's disease. As with any illness, PD motor symptoms and cognitive problems can worsen while you are ill [see related article.] Fever and decreased fluid intake can lead to dehydration and weight loss. If you have trouble swallowing you may also find it is more difficult to cough and clear secretions due to nasal congestion and bronchitis. An extended time in bed recovering from the flu can cause additional weakness leading to more fatigue with movement and increasing your risk of falls if you have balance problems.

Should I get the flu vaccine? Although it is not known whether this year's flu will have the same concerns that cam with last years 'swine flu', it is clear that the flu is a serious and potentially preventable problem. The flu vaccine is obtained once a year, beginning in the Fall, prior to flu season. It is available in 2 forms: inhaled nasal spray and muscular injection. The Center for Disease Control (see CDC website for more information) recommends the vaccine for high risk patients- especially patients with swallowing problems. Due to the significant health problems associated with the flu, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor to see if the seasonal flu vaccine is for you.

An ounce of prevention...

Wash your hands often to reduce the spread of infection.
Stay home from work or other public outing if you experience flu symptoms or will be in contact with others.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, get the rest you need, eat to be sure you get the nutrition you need to fight your infection.
Flu Vaccine. The flu vaccine is obtained once a year, beginning in the Fall, prior to flu season. This years vaccine will target the same 3 viruses as last years. It is available in 2 forms: inhaled nasal spray and muscular injection. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the vaccine for high risk patients- especially patients with swallowing problems. Due to the significant health problems associated with the flu, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor before peak season arrives in January and February to see if the seasonal flu vaccine is for you.

Anti-viral medicine and treatment

Medicines:

Amantadine is a PD medicine used to treat motor symptoms and dyskinesia. Amantadine was originally used as an anti-influenza medicine to aid recovery from flu symptoms. You should still consider getting the flu vaccine even if you are on amantadine as this medicine will not protect you from the flu. Antiviral medicines can help reduce flu severity if started within 2 days of symptom onset.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children 1 year of age or older.
Zanamivir (Relenza®), is approved for treatment in children 7 years and older, but is licensed only for use in people without underlying respiratory or heart disease, including people with asthma.

Wash your hands often to reduce the spread of infection.
Stay home from work or other public outing if you experience flu symptoms.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, get the rest you need, eat to be sure you get the nutrition you need to fight your infection.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider about treatments available to relieve the discomfort of fever, pain, and cold like symptoms. Some cough medicines (dextromethorphan) should not be used if you are taking certain PD medicines such as MAO B inhibitors. Learn more about the safe use of cold medicines.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow not your hand to reduce risk of spread.

Bottom line: act now- talk to your neurologist or primary care provider to see if the flu vaccines are right for you.

Author: Monique Giroux, MD

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