MFM
is not done (and is not of value) unless the patients are so ill that it has been necessary to hospitalise them. Signs of worsening illness, which may require medical attention,
are increasing breathlessness, dehydration, persistent vomiting, temperature above 40°C, confusion or disturbed consciousness. The key to success in managing infl uenza is to prevent it by an
annual infl uenza vaccination. The vaccine is made with inactivated or attenuated (weakened, non-infective) virus and does not itself cause the illness, a suggestion that is often made by those unkeen to receive the vaccine. Patients who develop symptoms shortly after vaccination may already have been incubating the illness at the time they were injected or they may be developing a cold. Unfortunately the vaccine will not prevent an attack in a patient who is already infected. In a small number of people they will indeed catch the infection despite vaccination. The vaccine is probably effective in around 80-90% of healthy people who receive it although the effectiveness may be less in debilitated patients. The risk of death is probably reduced by up to 85% in the elderly. Last year nearly seven million people in priority groups were
vaccinated against infl uenza. The programme of vaccination is continuing this year and includes all patients over the age of 65, and all patients over six months of age with chronic lung disease (asthma and other respiratory diseases), chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and chronic neurological disease (including stroke and TIA and, where appropriate, other neurological conditions including cerebral palsy, MS and any other nervous disease). Also included are all diabetic patients over six months of age, any immunosuppressed patients and, if appropriate, their household contacts, pregnant women, people in long-stay care homes, carers and, last but not least, health and social care staff. Consideration should also be given to any patient not in the above groups who might benefi t from vaccination. Other antiviral agents may be used to prevent and treat infl uenza
but are not a substitute for vaccination. There are a number of medications, the best known of which is Oseltamivir (Tamifl u), and is advised for patients with severe or progressive infl uenza symptoms, or whose illness is complicated by other disease, or who require hospitalisation. For best results, the earlier the drug is given the better (within 48 hours). Bird fl u is a form of infl uenza contracted from bird and which may
be severe in some cases. Although rare, humans can be infected by these bird viruses. Infection may be mild but can be severe and the death rate is estimated at more than 50%. So, for those who feel that a stiff whiskey with honey will protect
against the fl u, let me tell you that vaccination is quicker and more effective – but maybe not quite so palatable!
For those who feel that a stiff whiskey with honey will protect against the fl u, let me tell you that vaccination is quicker and more effective
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