If you live in Sheridan County, you have likely known someone who has had the flu in the last few weeks. Our community has seen an uptick in influenza cases, which can particularly affect older individuals.
According to data from the Wyoming Department of Health, in early November influenza cases were beginning to increase to about 25 per week. In a pattern typical for Wyoming during flu season, they increased to about 10 times that by Christmas. They will likely stay at a higher level for the next several months
It is no surprise that influenza is going around our community this time of year. Most people who contract influenza are miserable for a week or so and then recover. More severe cases of influenza, while not common, can occur in all age groups. In particular adults over age 65 are at increased risk of serious disease or complications.
In the sixth decade of life, the age-related changes that our immune systems undergo become more profound, which means older adults are at higher risk of flu-related complications like pneumonia or other secondary infections. Older adults with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, face even higher potential for complications.
Some risks are less commonly discussed. For example, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), influenza increases the risk of heart attack by three to five times and stroke by two to three times in the first couple weeks of infection for those ages 65 and older. That risk stays elevated for months. Overall, older adults have up to six times higher risk of dying from the flu.
How do you know you have the flu rather than another respiratory issue like a cold or COVID-19?
While many news articles purport that there are easy and clear ways for you to tell the difference between influenza and COVID-19 symptoms, the reality is that it is difficult to impossible. Both illnesses commonly feature fever and/or chills, headache, body aches, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Earlier strains of COVID-19 frequently caused changes in or loss of taste or smell. However, at this point most cases of COVID-19 are not accompanied by smell or taste changes and look very similar to the flu.
The best way to know if you have influenza or COVID-19 is to get tested. Local urgent care centers can test for both illnesses.
If you develop influenza, there is treatment. While antibiotics do not help with viruses, there are antiviral medications specific to influenza that can. Antivirals can help you feel better more quickly and can reduce your risk of complications, but must be started within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms.
So, if you get sick, it makes sense to get tested to determine whether antivirals are an option.
Finally, regardless of what you are sick with, give yourself permission to slow down and recover. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and, if at all possible, stay home! One of the best ways you can show love for your friends, family and coworkers is by not passing your illness on to them.
