The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to report low flu activity this 2015-2016 flu season. However, they do warn that the public should not get complacent with regards to getting their flu shot. If you have not received your flu shot, it is important to do so now, as cases of the flu are expected to rise in the coming weeks. “Flu typically peaks twice during the season, December and March, so we anticipate a peak to still occur later this winter,” shares Utica Park Clinic physician Dr. Jeffrey Galles. Meanwhile, health care providers across the country are seeing an uptick in cases of pneumonia, which can be difficult to distinguish from the flu. “It is virtually impossible to distinguish between influenza (which is caused by a flu virus) and bacterial pneumonia. Both can present abruptly with fevers, shortness of breath and colored mucus.”
If you feel you are coming down with something that feels like the flu, Dr. Galles says there are a few symptoms of the flu not typically associated with pneumonia. “Influenza generally is associated with muscle aches, nasal congestion and sore throat, which are less common with pneumonias,” he says. “More often, bacterial pneumonias occur near the tail end of viral respiratory infections, which leave the lung vulnerable to the bacteria that normally coexist without causing illness in healthy lungs.”
Upper respiratory infections generally resolve with time, rest and drinking plenty of fluids, Dr. Galles says. Cough suppressants, decongestants and expectorants can also be used to treat symptoms. However, if an upper respiratory infection does not go away after about a week, there are signs that could signal pneumonia. “When the illness lasts more than seven to ten days, gets better then abruptly worsens or is associated with high fevers or shortness of breath, you should seek medical care,” adds Dr. Galles. “If a person has underlying lung disease, cancer, heart disease or illnesses that require them to take immune suppressing medications, they should seek medical care as soon as they become ill.”
Bacterial pneumonia, fortunately, it is not easily spread. “Unlike viral infections (i.e. common cold, influenza) which are highly contagious, most bacterial pneumonias are not contagious,” Dr. Galles explains. “This does not mean that you should not be cautious and wash your hands when you are ill! It is however, much less likely that one would pass a bacterial pneumonia on to those nearby.”
Again, Dr. Galles says the best treatment is prevention. “The most important thing anyone can do short of proper hand hygiene is to get an annual influenza vaccine,” he adds. “This is indicated annually between September and April during every flu season for all persons over the age of six months. In addition, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines available to decrease the risk of developing a certain type of bacterial pneumonia called pneumococcal pneumonia. This is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. These vaccines are given at different times based on your age and chronic medical conditions. You should ask your healthcare provider if you should have one of these vaccines.”
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