Why The Flu Is Being Called The Silent Killer

There are times of the year when there is heightened awareness around the flu and how deadly it can be if we do not take specific precautions. But, we may not realize the seriousness of the flu beyond "flu season."

It’s never too late to become educated about what you can do to be preventative so that you can lessen your risk of getting the flu.

READ: This Strange Home Remedy For Cold & Flu Actually Works

Here are some quick facts about the flu:

Flu cases typically start in the fall/winter, peak in February, but can also be prevalent until May.
Flu symptoms are associated with a sore throat, a high fever, muscle aches, a cough and malaise.
It is generally transmitted via airborne droplets and the flu is so infectious that it can sit on a surface for hours.In one case, on an airplane, where there was no air circulation, when a plane sat for 3 hours, within 3 days 39 of 54 people got the flu virus which came from one single passenger. This is evidence that the flu can be contracted and spread easily.

The History of the Flu

Historically, the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918-1919 caused over 500,000 deaths. And while we have more preventative vaccinations or measures in place to counteract the flu virus, it still kills thousands each year in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, worldwide, the flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people annually.

And 12,000 to 70,000 per year in the United States.

Now that I have your attention about the seriousness of the flu, you may be wondering who’s at the highest risk for getting the flu and what are the best ways you can protect yourself?

Higher Risk Patients

There are several individuals who fall into the category of being a higher risk for having more complications if they contract the flu virus. They include the following:

Those on statins who are over 65. Statin drugs tend to blunt the immune response to flu vaccination. If you decide to get a flu vaccine, make sure you get a high-dose version of the vaccine or a vaccine that contains an adjuvant or booster, both of which stimulate an effective immune response.
Patients in long-term skilled facilities are also at risk. Often influenza can come via newly admitted residents, the health care workers who work with the patients at the facility, or visitors who may come to the facility.
Children under 5 years of age. Influenza or the flu are common in children younger than 2 years old and they usually have severe complications. An average of 20,000 children under the age 5 are hospitalized due to having flu complications, some resulting in death.
Children who have asthma, diabetes, and disorders of the brain and nervous system are also more likely to develop flu complications.
Pregnant women and those women up to two weeks postpartum are also at risk for contracting the flu. This is likely due to the changes in the immune system as well as the major organs including the heart and lungs. The flu can further complicate a pregnant woman’s unborn child leading to labor and delivery occurring prematurely.

Best Ways to Protect Yourself

Here are ways you can protect yourself from the flu virus:

If you can, avoid people who have the flu or flu-like symptoms. They are highly contagious. If you have to be a caretaker to someone who has the flu, wear a face mask or respirator.
Make sure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Pay close attention to ‘common surfaces’ that others may touch and/or handled.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. These are the entryways for viruses to enter into your body.
Also, it should be noted that getting the flu shot provides the best protection against the flu and can be taken even if you are pregnant.
If you feel you have flu-like symptoms, make sure you make an appointment to see your physician immediately. They can provide you with an antiviral drug that will provide treatment for the flu.

Be proactive in protecting yourself from the influenza virus.

By taking the right precautions for you and your family, and receiving the necessary medical care if you do experience flu-like symptoms, you will help reduce your risk of the flu or complications from it.