Dr Bryan Betty: New Zealand's on the cusp of flu season

We’re on the cusp of the flu season. One of my concerns is that I often hear from patients phrases like ‘it’s just the flu!’. It’s almost viewed as something we don’t need to be concerned about; it’s just like a cold. However, it’s much more than that. It’s estimated it can be responsible for up to 500 deaths a year in New Zealand, based on University of Otago research. It’s more than just a cold! 

 

What is influenza? 

-It infects our nose, throat, and lungs. 

-It occurs more in winter, brought in by infected people on planes from the Northern Hemisphere! 

-Tends to spread with close contact indoors: coughing, sneezing, and talking to each other, or the virus lands on surfaces and we pick it up on our hands. 

-Can kill up to 500 people a year. 

-Especially at risk are the elderly, pregnant women, those with other illnesses like diabetes, lung and heart conditions, cancer, those under 5, and Māori and Pacific people over the age 55. 

  

How does it differ from a cold? 

-It is much more severe. It can make us very unwell and miserable, lasting up to 7 to 14 days. 

-Coughs, sore throats, and sneezing can occur in both colds and flus, however a few things distinguish the flu from colds: 

-The flu is often very rapid onset; colds tend to be gradual. 

-In particular, unlike the common cold, the flu can cause very severe muscle aches, headaches, ‘chills’ (feeling hot and cold), and fever. 

-Chest discomfort and coughs can also be very severe with the flu. 

-Occasionally causes diarrheal and vomiting. 

  

Can you treat it? 

-Straight answer is no. Antibiotics don’t work. You're stuck with it, and we treat the symptoms. 

-Using paracetamol and brufen for temperatures and muscle aches. Keeping fluids up. 

-However, once you have it you have it! 

  

How do we prevent it? 

-Number one: if you have the flu don’t go to work, don’t spread it! 

-Wash hands regularly, don’t share drinks, cover mouth and nose if coughing or sneezing. 

-The most important single thing is to get vaccinated. It will prevent you catching the flu. Because the virus changes every year, you’ll need a fluvax once a year. 

 

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