Flu Season 2010 is Here

11/24/2009

2009-2010 Flu Season is here. What you should know to be prepared.

What do I need to know about the flu and Parkinson’s? Should I get the flu vaccine?

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. This season, there is considerable concern about the swine flu caused by a different influenza virus, named H1N1.

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. The flu can cause problems for people with PD as well. As with any illness, PD motor symptoms and cognitive problems can worsen while you are ill. 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.

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.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), seasonal flu causes 36,000 flu-related deaths (mostly among those aged 65 years or older) and more than 200,000 flu-related hospitalizations yearly on average in the United States. These numbers will be higher this season due to the swine flu epidemic.

This season the flu vaccine protects against 3 viruses. It 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. Because the swine flu is caused by a different stain of virus protection from this type of flu requires a separate vaccine. As of Nov 2009, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the H1N1 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 and 2009 N1H1 vaccine is right for you.

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 healthcare provider about treatments available to relieve the discomfort of fever, pain, and cold like symptoms. Be sure to see your healthcare provider if you have cough, symptoms greater than or are immunocompromised. Some cold medicines 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.

Be sure to 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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