Flu season underway in Sisters as elsewhere

Flu is always an unwelcome guest, and this year the annual visit is shaping up to be long and dreary. Stomping in several weeks early, the virus has kept local clinics hopping to keep up with demand for immunizations.

Dr. Steven Greer, physician at Bend Memorial Clinic in Sisters, said that there have been several confirmed cases of Influenza A in Deschutes County since November 24, one of which was in Sisters.

"The virus has arrived earlier than usual. We are seeing large numbers of patients in our offices (in Bend and Sisters) and in our urgent care facility," said Dr. Greer.

Of course, not all the cases the doctors see are true flu and conversely, flu is often underreported. The only definitive test for influenza is a swab test, which is not done on every patient. A really accurate portrayal of what is going on in sickrooms is difficult.

The classic influenza symptoms are fever of over 100 degrees that lasts several days, muscle and body aches, severe fatigue, cough and chest discomfort.

If these appear together, it's too late to do anything but treat the symptoms. There are effective over-the-counter remedies for all the symptoms.

The most contagious stage is during the fever.

Things to watch out for, according to Dr. Greer, are shortness of breath, fever that doesn't abate after four or five days, or underlying illnesses. These necessitate a visit to the doctor, he said.

There are preventive measures to take against flu or any viral ailment that don't involve hiding in a bunker with your Y2K supplies. Vaccination is the first line of defense, particularly if one is very young or very old or has underlying illnesses that may weaken the system.

There is plenty of vaccine available in this area, according to Dr. Greer.

Dr. Greer talked about the concept of "herd immunity," where enough of a population is immunized so there are no susceptible groups, and therefore the whole population can be protected.

"That is a good enough reason for everyone to get immunized," he said.

If you are not, and are knowingly exposed to the flu virus, there are anti-viral antibiotics available which are effective up to 48 hours after exposure.

Dr. Eden Miller at High Lakes Health Care is a proponent of good hand-washing and common sense hygiene. Nothing fancy is required.

"Plain soap is antiviral," she said.

Dr. Miller also recommends airing out the house after someone has been sick. The next sunny day after the patient recovers, put on jackets, open all the doors and windows and let the sunshine and fresh air do their work, she said.

A topical spray that kills virus should be applied to surfaces. And she suggests changing toothbrushes after an illness.

Physical rest is a vital part of recovery. The best care you can give a fever is rest, and a flu fever can last from three to seven days, said Dr. Miller.