What's Going Around: flu

It has been a late start to the flu season in Southwest Louisiana, but positive flu tests are now being seen in much higher numbers.

The highly contagious flu virus is not discriminating against who it is making feel sick.  The young and old, alike, are feeling pretty miserable from the influenza virus.  Dr. Ashley Mullins, a hospitalist at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, explains what brings patients in to see her.

"The most common symptoms of the flu we see are fever, headache, muscle aches, body aches, along with the typical upper respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion," she said.

Dr. Mullins says flu numbers are still relatively low in Louisiana, but they are rising.

"We're in the peak of flu season right now, being in late winter, early spring, this is when we see the most cases," said Dr. Mullins.

A flu diagnosis can be confirmed by symptoms, although a rapid flu test can also be used.  The best treatment is an anti-viral medication. 

"If we catch it early enough, you can get an anti-viral medicine called Tamiflu," said Dr. Mullins.  "It is most effective if given within the first 48 hours, so it's important to get it early and get to your physician early."

Dr. Mullins says Tamiflu helps shorten the duration of the flu.  Symptomatic treatment can also help you feel better.

Minimizing the spread of the virus is just as important as treating the flu.

"The flu is spread by respiratory droplets, so coughing, sneezing, even if someone touches their mouth or nose and then touches a surface, it can be spread that way also," said Dr. Mullins.

The flu vaccine has been proven to be effective this flu season and Dr. Mullins says it is not too late if you want to be vaccinated.  

Only one region in the state is reporting a medium to high spread of flu-like illnesses and that is in Northwest Louisiana.

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