Flu taking its toll locally, nationally
Thu, Feb 21, 2008
By ANNA FERGUSONThe Brunswick NewsMelanie Williamson counts herself as one of the lucky ones. She didn't get a flu shot this year, but thus far has yet to come down with the ailment. There are plenty of others, though, who have not been as fortunate. A registered nurse at the medical office of Dr. Scott Tarplee at 2300 Parkwood Drive in Brunswick, Williamson has seen more flu cases this year than in years past. In the past week alone, dozens of patients have come into the office with flu-like symptoms. The virus isn't picky about its victims, either, she said."We've had more patients than usual come in with the flu, and it seems that the type of person who comes down with it is just random," Williamson said.Traditionally, February is the peak month for influenza outbreaks. And this year has been no different."We are in the midst of flu season," said Dr. Elizabeth Sudduth, infectious disease specialist with Southeast Georgia Health System in Brunswick. Beginning every October, flu season can last right up to spring, with some cases being reported as late as May.The prime time to be on the lookout for the virus is now, Sudduth said. "Summer is pretty much the only time you're safe from the flu," Sudduth said. In its most recent report, the federal Centers for Disease Control listed Georgia as one of 31 states reporting higher than usual flu activity.It's running high across the nation. According to recent data from the CDC, 2,126 cases of flu were reported nationwide from Feb. 3 through Feb. 9 – an increase over the same period a year ago, when the CDC reported 1,071 cases. The coastal region is following the trend. Sudduth has seen more patients with flu symptoms and flu-related illnesses.For some, the flu means time at home – rest, fluids and medicine.For others, it can be more than that. On her end, Sudduth is more prone to deal with the secondary conditions brought on by the malady, such as ear infections and complications with heart disease and diabetes. "In some rare cases, the flu can even be fatal," she said. It's not all that uncommon for patients to confuse the flu with a cold – an easy mistake to make, health professionals say. Both usually come with headaches, body aches, runny nose and cough. But the symptoms of the flu are often more pronounced. It's accompanied by a high fever and tends to be more serious, she said."It can be difficult to tell the two apart," Sudduth said. "It's best to play it safe and go to the doctor in either case."There are no surefire ways to avoid the flu, but a flu shot and basic hygiene are both good places to start, said Sharon Smith, a nurse and the public health program manager with the Glynn County Health Department. Stay healthyTo keep the flu at bay, the Glynn County Health Department recommends a number of steps:* Avoid contact with people who have the flu.* Stay home if you have the flu. (Your body needs the rest to recover more quickly.)* Wash your hands often. * Avoid touching and rubbing your nose and eyes. * Cover your mouth when you cough.
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