By - Pauline W. Fallis,

Since there is so much “flu” around us, I thought that I would write about this infectious disease and how it will affect your practice of electrology.    It appears we are in an influenza pandemic, which means that all people in the world are being affected by influenza.

Many otherwise healthy adults and children miss work or school due to the “flu” every year.  In Canada it is reported that 6700 deaths and between 10,000 to 75,000 hospitalizations are due to influenza and influenza causing pneumonia every year.

What is Influenza or the Flu?

Influenza is a very contagious respiratory disease caused by the Influenza A or B viruses.  The symptoms of the Flu are:  fever above 37.8º C or feverish and chills and any of the following: cough, sore throat, headache and myalgia (muscular pain).  A runny nose or nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are rarely caused by influenza.  People with the flu are usually ill for 5 to 10 days.

How is it Spread?

Influenza viruses are usually spread by the droplet route.  When someone coughs or sneezes, the virus is expelled into the air and can be inhaled by anyone close by (within 3 feet).  These viruses can survive for 24 - 48 hours on any flat surface, for up to ten hours on paper and clothes and for five minutes on the skin.  If anyone touches a contaminated surface they may pick up the virus on their hands and unknowingly infect themselves by touching their mouth or nose.

How to Prevent the spread of Influenza?

An annual influenza vaccine is recommended for adults and children who are at high risk of getting influenza and developing complications which could be life threatening.  This includes elderly persons with chronic diseases, residents of long term care facilities and those with HIV infection.  Health care providers and those who have significant contact with ill persons immunization is also encouraged. 

The best time to get the “flu shot” is in late October, since flu season usually starts in December or January.  This year the flu season started much earlier and many more people than usual are getting ill.  I would urge everyone to get a flu shot so that you are protected. 

For healthy adults, the flu vaccine provides between 70 - 80% protection beginning at about two weeks following the vaccine and lasting for up to six months.  For the elderly, protection is reduced to 30 - 40% for four months.  For everyone that is vaccinated, the severity and length of illness is reduced.

Is there anyone who should not get the Flu Shot?

Anyone that has an allergy to eggs should not be immunized.  There are some medications that the flu vaccine may interfere with, so contact your family physician regarding this contraindication.

Is there any medication you can take for the Flu?

There are two new medications newly approved and available in Canada for those who become ill with the flu.  They are Tamiflu (for persons 18 years and older) and Relenza (for persons 12 years and older).  These medications reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the course of the disease by 1 to 2 days.   In order for these medications to be effective, however; they must be started within 48 hours of the first symptoms. So, see your family doctor or go to a walk in clinic within 24 hours of feeling unwell with the above symptoms.

Why is this important in my Electrolysis practice?

Anyone who provides a service to the public has a responsibility not to spread an unwanted disease or condition to them.  Wash your hands frequently and clean all surfaces with a germicidal detergent.  Wear a mask if you are working around the face.  This is to prevent you from acquiring influenza from a client.

If you become ill with an influenza-like illness, do not see clients until two days after the symptoms have gone.  This year, the flu virus seems to be more virulent then usual and people are becoming really ill. 

So have the flu shot every year in October.  Wash your hands frequently, clean surfaces and wear masks when appropriate.   If ill, don’t work.  This way you will not give influenza to anyone.