“Achew!” “Bless you.” “Sorry, I’ve got the flu.”
While not quite as devastating and widespread as the influenza pandemic, serious seasonal outbreaks of the flu are common in the fall and winter months. Seasonal outbreaks of the flu are caused by strains of the flu virus, similar to those of past years.
Flu and cold incidences usually begin in late August or early September and increase slowly for a few weeks, then remain high until March or April.
The seasonal variation may relate to the opening of schools and the cold winter months. People are in closer proximity during this time, which increases the chances to circulate flu and cold viruses that spread from person to person.
Cold outbreaks may also be more prevalent in the winter months because the most common cold-causing viruses survive better in low humidity weather conditions, customary throughout the winter months.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s state flu report for Virginia shows reported widespread influenza activity for the months of January and February.
“Usually late January and early February is when it hits,” nurse Stacey Parsons said. “That seems to be when the most kids are out, and it becomes a lot busier than normal in the clinic.”
Flu and cold episodes are more common among children, which could be related to their relative lack of resistance to the viruses, as well their extensive contact with their peers at daycare and school.
“Anytime you’re in a closed environment like this it makes it worse,” Parsons said. “And it doesn’t help when people are coughing all over each other.”
Dr. Randy Harris, who teaches health science and medical lab, said, “Viruses are very small and they can attach themselves to almost anything: particles in the air, food. So, if you sneeze on somebody, then they get the flu.”
Research also shows that women are more susceptible to these viruses. One theoretical cause is their generally closer association with children.
Treatments for these viruses are very limited. “Mostly it’s supportive—meaning, you go to bed, and take care of yourself, and drink lots of fluids, and so on and so forth,” Harris said.
Harris explained why viral treatments are so ineffective. “The virus replicates using cellular machinery. The way the virus replicates is an imperfect means, so when it reproduces, it’s never a perfect copy of itself, so your immune system has to continually make a different set of antibodies against the new ways the virus is able to look. This makes much work for your immune system, which ultimately wears you down and makes you even sicker.”
Prevention steps are the most effective way to save oneself from these rampant illnesses. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against this potentially dangerous disease.
Other simple hygiene steps can also help prevent the spread of flu and cold viruses. “Wash your hands. Always cough into your shoulder or arm and not directly on other people, and don’t share drinks or food,” Parsons said.
The CDC also advises to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth because this is how harmful viruses enter your body. Last, but not least, stay home when you’re sick.
Parsons added, “It would be really helpful if kids would let me know if they’re sick with the flu or have any symptoms just so I’m informed and know what’s out there.”