Preparing for this year's flu season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80,000 Americans died of the flu and related complications this past winter. The severity of the 2017-18 influenza season highlights the importance of public health measures to control and prevent influenza, says Robert Leggiadro, MD, who teaches global emerging infections, environmental health, and medical geography in Villanova’s Departments of Biology and Geography and the Environment.

Annual influenza vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza illness. Even during seasons when vaccine effectiveness is reduced, vaccination can offer substantial benefit and reduce the likelihood of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death,” says Dr. Leggiadro.

“For the 2018-2019 flu season, all persons six months of age and older without contraindications should be vaccinated with any licensed, age-appropriate seasonal influenza vaccine (CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices),” says Dr. Leggiadro. “The influenza season is generally from September through March and CDC recommends vaccination by the end of October. Prompt treatment with influenza antiviral medications may be prescribed by health care providers for persons with confirmed or suspected influenza who are severely ill or at high risk for serious influenza complications. Preventive therapy may also be indicated for some individuals at risk for serious complications.”

Flu-like symptoms, Dr. Leggiadro says include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. “Persons with a flu-like illness should stay home from work or school when possible and practice respiratory (hygiene) etiquette in order to prevent spread of virus to others,” Dr. Leggiadro added.

Appropriate respiratory etiquette includes covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; disposing used tissues in a waste basket; and coughing or sneezing into the upper sleeve, not the hands. Hands should always be washed after coughing or sneezing. An alcohol-based hand rub should be used if soap and water are not available, he added.

To speak with Dr. Leggiadro about the Spanish Flu epidemic and how to prepare for the upcoming flu season email mediaexperts@villanova.edu or call 610-519-5152.