The Flu and You

Oct. 18, 2004 — -- If you're worried about this year's flu season, feel free to join hands with your neighbors -- but be sure to wash them afterward.

Public health professionals are already witnessing a number of odd circumstances surrounding the flu and the shortage of available vaccines. Dozens of people showed up at a flu-shot clinic in Fergus Falls, Minn., earlier this month where no vaccines were available. Rather than getting a shot in the arm, they were instead handed a can of chicken soup and a box of tissues.

But doctors believe there are more practical methods for dealing with this year's flu season. "It's common sense," says Dr. Patricia Clancy of Concord, N.H.

"If you have a fever, don't go to work," she advises. "So many people go to work when they're sick." Clancy also advises people to remember basic good-health practices: "Practice good hygiene, get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, get good nutrition -- five fruits and veggies a day -- and regular exercise."

Practicing good hygiene goes beyond regular hand washing, Clancy said. Towels, toothpaste, cups and toothbrushes can all transmit the influenza virus. "My kids each have their own toothpaste and their own cup," she said.

For some, FluMist, the nasal flu vaccine manufactured by MedImmune Vaccines, is a viable option. The vaccine is designed for use by healthy individuals aged 5 to 49.

But, warns Clancy, "It's a live virus. So it's not an option for high risk people. And you have to avoid exposure to immuno-compromised people for three weeks."

A spokeswoman for MedImmune said 1.1 million doses of the vaccine are available now, and the company has already started the process of manufacturing another 1 million doses. MedImmune is working with the FDA to get the vaccine expedited for use. At the latest, the additional doses will be available sometime in December.

If you do find yourself feeling ill, Clancy recommends staying home, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your fever down with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. And to prevent spreading your illness to your friends or family, "limit your contact with other people."

"The likelihood that you're going to pick up a transmissible agent is directly related to the number of people you have close physical contact with," said David A. Relman, associate professor of medicine at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. "Even shaking hands with people increases your risk."

Relman advises that people consider alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels, which do an effective job of reducing risk of exposure to the flu virus, especially when restroom facilities aren't readily available.