With winter on the way, avoid the nasty effects of flu

"Respiratory illness and flu-related symptoms are one of the major costs for medical scheme members each year,” says Edwards. "During winter, we see a big spike in claims related to flu – including medicines, doctors and hospital visits.”

 

But Edwards says by using simple preventative measures and managing the illness if you do get it, you’re less likely to be hit by out-of-pocket costs and prevent denting your medical savings account unnecessarily.

 

Edwards points out that it’s important to understand the difference between a common cold and flu. Both are caused by viruses and affect the respiratory tract, but while colds usually develop more slowly than the flu, with symptoms such as a scratchy throat, runny nose and perhaps a mild cough2, seasonal influenza is characterised by a sudden onset of high fever; dry cough; headache; muscle and joint pain; severe malaise (feeling unwell); sore throat and runny nose1.

 

Flu occurs globally with an annual attack rate estimated at 5%–10% in adults and 20%–30% in children. Illnesses can result in hospitalisation and death mainly among high-risk groups (the very young, elderly or chronically ill)1 when complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis2 are experienced. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), these annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness worldwide, and about 250 000 to 500 000 deaths1. Secondary bacterial infections of the sinus and middle ear are potential complications of the common cold which can also occur.

 

"Simple steps you can take to prevent catching the flu include washing your hands regularly, disinfecting surfaces at both home and work and keeping tissues handy to catch sneezes and prevent germs from spreading1,” says Edwards.

 

The WHO says the most effective way to prevent flu or its severe complications is vaccination1.

 

For 2013/2014, the WHO has recommended a flu vaccine that protects against four of the most common flu virus strains prevalent during the previous winter in the Northern Hemisphere1.

 

"Liberty Medical Scheme understands the importance of preventing flu and for this reason funds it out of the risk portion of member’s contributions, rather than their savings account, with no co-payment required,” says Edwards.

 

The flu shot is recommended especially to patients who may be more susceptible to falling ill, particularly people with serious kidney diseases, ongoing lung and heart diseases; people with diabetes; people with a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy, steroid treatment, HIV/AIDS or people who have had their spleen removed.

"Also consult your doctor before getting a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs, have had a serious allergic response to a flu vaccine in the past, have a high temperature at the time you plan to have your flu jab, or have history of Guillain-Barre syndrome that developed after a flu shot” says Edwards.

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading3.

He notes that flu vaccines contain inactive viruses so you cannot get flu from a flu shot although some minor effects can occur such as soreness where the injection was given, low grade fever and minor aches.

Companies can also help prevent the spread of flu in the workplace by providing a hygienic work environment; soap for hand washing; bins for discarded tissues and increasing employee awareness.

 

"Most adults may be able to infect other people beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick4,” says Edwards. "Employees with flu should therefore stay off work during this time so as not to infect others and to allow them to recover in an environment which allows them to rest and take the necessary treatment.”

 

Edwards adds that flu prevention and education should also form an important part of any employee wellness programme.