Prepare for Flu Season Rather Than Anthrax
Q: What can I do about the anthrax scare to protect my family and myself?
A: The anthrax scare is designed to be just that. As terrible as it has been to those who have been directly exposed, the real risk to the average American is virtually zero. Based on the reports I’ve read, this is not an agent that lends itself well to mass distribution and not one that deserves much attention beyond common sense for the vast majority.
I would actively discourage the stockpiling of antibiotics. The risk of an adverse effect of the medication either in and of itself or an unanticipated cross reaction with another medication could cause significant harm. Experts report that the ratio of those actually infected to those believing themselves exposed is 1:8, increasing the likelihood of self-misdiagnosis and inappropriate ingestion of antibiotics.
This is really the time of the year to make sure that those at high risk for the flu receive their vaccinations. Last year more that 20,000 people died as a result of infection with the flu and associated complications, far more than will perish from any artificially distributed biologic agents.
Those at the highest risk are:
- People living in long-term care facilities and group homes.
- Those over the age of 65.
- Adults and children with chronic disease such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, and kidney disease.
- Pregnant women who will be in the second or third trimester of their pregnancies during the flu season.
- Those with weakened immune systems such as those with cancer on chemotherapy or HIV infected individuals.
- Health care workers.
Those interested in receiving the vaccine not in the above categories ought to delay vaccination until mid-November or December. Reports indicate that supply of vaccine is more than adequate.
There are also four medications available to take at the earliest onset of the flu. The most effective are Tamiflu and Relenza as they cover both major strains. If started at the earliest onset of symptoms such as; fatigue, muscle aches and fever, they can shorten the course of the illness by several days. Otherwise, treatment is bed rest, fluids, and non-aspirin analgesics. Most people recover in about 48 hours. If you don’t feel better by then, call your physician.
Article Created: 2001-10-21
Article Updated: 2001-10-21
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