Flu Activity on the Rise in Sikeston

By Leonna Heuring
leonnah@standard-democrat.com

Sikeston seeing more cases than other cities in the region

Sikeston:  Stock up on tissues, over-the-counter pain relievers and cold medicines because the flu season is here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is increasing in the United States but has likely not yet peaked for season.  For the week ending Jan. 8 – the most recent data available – the CDC reported Missouri had regional geographic flu activity.

Registered Nurse Joy Cauthorn, who is certified in infectious disease control, said Missouri Delta Medical Center is beginning to see more cases of influenza.

“We’ve had four patient admissions – two children and two adults – within the past two weeks for the flu.  Then we’ve been seeing some in the emergency room and Express Care, and there have been staff who’ve had it too, said Cauthorn who is also responsible for emergency planning at the hospital.

The Sikeston hospital saw only two flu cases during the entire fall season, Cauthorn noted.  Most of the month’s confirmed cases have been influenza A, she said.  “I’ve spoken to emergency management officials, and Sikeston is seeing more flu than Cape, Dexter and Fredericktown,” Cauthorn said.  Of those who’ve been sick in Sikeston, they’ve reported feeling the standard flu symptoms:  headache, tiredness, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills and fever.

“The No. 1 way to protect yourself against the flu is by getting the vaccine,” Cauthorn said.

The 2010-2011 flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses, including two types of A – H1N1 and H3N2 – and influenza B.  A yearly flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious virus.

Pharmacist Ernie Moxey of  The Medicine Shoppe said it’s not too late to get the seasonal flu vaccination.  “In this region, we’re just starting to see the flu crop up so it’s still not too late to get the immunization because the flu season will go on through March,” Moxey said.  “It would be a good idea for those who don’t have it to go on and get it.”  Cauthorn agreed noting the flu vaccine takes about 10 days to two weeks to build immunity.  Many pharmacies, doctor’s offices and health departments are still offering the vaccine.

In addition to getting a flu shot, practicing respiratory hygiene is another way to decrease chances of contracting the flu.  For example, Missouri Delta has respiratory hygiene stations with tissues, face masks and alcohol hand gel for patients and staff to use.  “Our practice at the hospital is if someone comes in suspecting they have the flu, we conduct a nasal swab test to get a confirmation,” Cauthorn said.

Those who have the flu can take antiviral medications which don’t cure the flu but can help the symptomology, she said.  “Sometimes it can shorten the duration of the illness, but you really have to take those early on to get the full effect,” Cauthorn said.  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to treat fever and pain.  “These usually work in 30-45 minutes,” Cauthorn said, noting the pain relievers may not bring a fever down to normal but they will help.

Cauthorn also reminded parents and caregivers to not give aspirin to children because it can cause a potentially fatal disease called Reye’s Syndrome.  “With children, doctors should be consulted before giving any over-the counter medicine,” Cauthorn said.

“The goal is to make yourself feel better,” Cauthorn said.  To do that, those stricken with the flu need to stay home so they don’t spread the illness to others, Cauthorn said.  At home, set up a “sick room” to avoid close encounters with flu-stricken family members, she suggested.  “Try to have one bathroom the sick people use and one bathroom for the well people to use, if possible.  The sick person should have their own drinking glass, wash cloth and towel,” Cauthorn said.  Have tissues on hand, a thermometer, humidifier and face masks at the house, Cauthorn advised.  Practice good hand washing, and those who are sick need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, she said.  Use some type of disinfectant spray that kills flu germs and cleans surface areas like door knobs, phones, remote controls, light switches, tables, toilets and toys, Cauthorn said.  Bedding and other laundry used by those who have the flu can be washed with other clothes in the house, but hold the laundry away from the face and body.  Dishes used by an ill person can be washed with everyone else’s dishes, she said.  “If you’ve got sick children, and they want to be held, place your chin on your shoulder so they won’t cough in  you face,” Cauthorn advised.

Those who have the flu should stay home until they’re fever-free for 24 hours without Tylenol or ibuprofen.  “People need to take care of themselves and their families and try to limit the spread,” Cauthorn said.  “You have to do that by staying home.”