Press Release 1/17/2014
OLD BRIDGE –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory alerting U.S. residents about increased reports of severe respiratory illness among young and middle-aged adults, many of whom are infected with influenza, which we commonly refer to as the flu.

Overall influenza activity continues to be high in the United States with activity increasing in some states. Thirty-five states are now experiencingwidespreadactivity and twenty states are reporting high levels of influenza-like illness (ILI).

While influenza levels in New Jersey are not at an epidemic level, hospital admissions in New Jersey for influenza and ILI are increasing. Many hospitalizations are requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and some fatalities have been reported nationwide.

“The flu, or influenza, is contagious,” says Dr. Jennifer Turkish, a board-certified family medicine physician on staff at Bay Family Medicine. “Those who are at higher risk include children under 5 years of age, those over 65, pregnant women, those with other chronic medical conditions, especially lung and heart disease, obesity, and the immuno- compromised.”

“All New Jersey residents, especially those in at-risk groups, are urged to take precautions to prevent flu, including getting a flu shot as influenza activity is expected to increase during the next few weeks,” says Dr. Turkish.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and tiredness. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea although this is more common in children. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks but some can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, which can be life threatening. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are all examples of complications from flu.

“The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone six months and older to fend off the flu,” says Dr. Turkish. “Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated this season should get an influenza vaccine now. Anti-viral treatment is also recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza, so see your doctor if you even think you may have the flu.”

In addition to a flu shot,there are other preventative steps to take, says Dr. Turkish. “Stay away from others with the flu, use alcohol sanitizing hand gels and wash your hands frequently. Stay home from work if you develop flu signs and symptoms, and keep children home from school. The CDC recommends that you stay home from the day you begin experiencing symptoms until 24 hours after your fever goes away.”

Do not give aspirin to children suffering from flu-like symptoms, cautions Dr. Turkish, as it may cause a severe life-threatening illness called Reye’s Syndrome. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or become more severe.

To make an appointment for a flu shot, call Bay Family Medicine at 732-360-0287.

Jennifer Turkish, M.D. is a family physician on staff at Bay Family Medicine. She is board certified in Family Practice. Bay Family Medicine is located at 26 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge NJ 08857.