As flu reports increase extra precautions urged

Local health care professionals say they are seeing an increase in the number of patients with influenza symptoms and are urging people to take proper precautions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Tennessee among the 21 states which have recently seen "high activity" for influenza-like illnesses. This designation refers to the number of people going to the doctor thinking they have the flu.

"Flu tends to hit really hard here in January and February," said Eloise Waters, director of the Bradley County Health Department. "I personally know of a lot of people who have had the flu."

Though there has been much talk about flu in this area, Waters said there are no statistics which can paint an accurate picture of how many people have the flu. Health departments in Tennessee are not required to report cases of the flu like they do other contagious illnesses, and not everyone who has the flu goes to the doctor in the first place.

Still, there are enough people showing up at doctor's offices and hospitals with flu-like symptoms that health care professionals are urging people to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the flu.

"Like other hospitals in the region, we are experiencing an increase in emergency room visits among people with flu-like symptoms," said Stephanie Austin, public information officer for Tennova Healthcare in Cleveland. "Flu season is expected to continue for several more weeks."

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health care professionals are urging anyone who has multiple symptoms of the flu to visit a doctor. Patients can be tested for the flu and treated with antiviral medications which could help shorten the illness' duration.

"Don't wait too long before coming in for evaluation because you may miss the opportunity for effective treatment, and may risk spread of illness to others," said Dr. Nicole Bernatowicz, a family practice physician with Tennova HealthWorks. "More often than not, the patients I see who have the flu did not take this action to protect themselves or their family."

To prevent catching the flu, you should do your best to stay away from those who are ill and wash hands frequently.

Those who are ill are also being urged to wash their hands frequently, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and stay home whenever possible. Though handwashing is more highly recommended, health professionals also say using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help prevent the spread of the flu.

Doctors also say it is still not too late to get a flu shot. There has been much talk lately about how this year's flu vaccines are not as effective as they have been in previous years, thanks to the specific flu strains prevalent this year. Still, the CDC is reporting is still effective for some strains of the flu.

Amanda Goodhard, public information officer for the Tennessee Department of Health's Southeast Regional Office, noted the flu vaccine has never been 100 percent effective. However, getting it can help protect those who are vulnerable to the flu.

"It helps protect you and those around you - particularly those with compromised immune systems," Goodhard said. "It also does take about two weeks for your body to build up antibodies to the flu. There is always the danger that you can be exposed to the flu and get sick in the meantime. Still, the benefits of it are great."

The flu vaccine is being recommended for everyone ages 6 months and up, especially young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with health conditions, like asthma, which could be worsened by the flu.

The Bradley County and Polk County Health Department locations are all offering the flu vaccine free of charge "until supplies are depleted."

For more information, call Cleveland's location at 423-728-7020, Benton's at 423-338-4533 or Copperhill's at 423-496-3275.

Flu vaccines are also offered at many doctor's offices and pharmacies in the area.