No one is immune

NEWS

Local doctors are waging late-season germ warfare against myriad viral and bacterial infections.

By Lorraine Gennaro

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Mar. 10, 2005

At least 235 cases of the strain had been confirmed in Philadelphia as of March 1 for the 2004-05 flu season, making it the third worst season since 1998, the spokes-person added.

Compared to recent years, the flu had a late onset this year.

"We've had a very late peak in the flu this year. It had been increasing through the middle of the month of February, but it's now on the decline," Moran said.

The one flu death in the city this year was a local victim. James Pate, a fifth-grader at F. Amadee Bregy Elementary, 17th and Bigler streets, died from complications from the virus on Feb. 13. Pate had a preexisting asthma condition, officials said.

Most cases of the flu are diagnosed and treated, not confirmed with a laboratory test, said Moran.

However, some doctors like Honig prefer to test by taking a swab of the patient's nose or mouth if he or she complains of flu-like symptoms - high fever, chills, body aches and headache.

Antiviral medication is the most effective remedy for the flu. And while it's not exactly being billed as a panacea, new antiviral drug Tamiflu eradicates influenza if the illness is detected within 24-48 hours of onset, said Honig.

Antibiotics work only for bacterial infections.

Viruses that affect the stomach and intestinal tracts also are widespread this season, said Honig and Soumerai. Like respiratory infections, they can be either viral or bacterial and are highly contagious.

"We see a run of them," said Honig. "Typically we don't like to have [patients] come in the office. First of all, it's hard for them to sit there because it's coming out of both ends and it's highly contagious."

With gastrointestinal viruses, patients do better to phone in their symptoms, he added.

Staying well

Healthcare professionals offer the following tips to help prevent colds and the flu:

Wash your hands often. Frequent hand-washing with soap and hot water remains the best way to avoid contracting viruses and spreading them. People might be exposed to influenza viruses by touching surfaces, including door handles and telephones.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as these actions can spread viruses from various surfaces.
* Always cover your mouth with your hand or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, especially in public.
* Eat a balanced diet so your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. A multivitamin can help ensure your body is getting its requirements.
* Exercise contributes to your overall health and well-being - both emotional and physical.
* Reducing stress at home and at work can help you stay healthy.

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