Last year, the Bowie community experienced its share of the influenza virus. The CDC Region 3 which included Maryland had over 10,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 (Novel Flu) with 15 confirmed pediatrics deaths. In my medical practice in Bowie we had numerous cases of flu-like illness.

Each year, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population becomes ill due to influenza infections. These numbers account for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and more than 35,000 deaths per year. The mortality rates are greatest for the elderly; however, the rates of hospitalization are highest among children younger than 2 years of age. Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and medical professionals such as myself, recommend being immunized against the seasonal flu and with the discovery of the H1N1 flu, this year is no different.

The seasonal and H1N1 flu are caused by a type of influenza A virus. This particular viral strain is most concerning to scientists because of its ability to mutate and thus become resistant to treatment, surviving through the fall, winter and early spring.

The flu virus has an affinity for our respiratory tract. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets. It can multiply in oral secretion 24 hours before a person realizes he or she is infected. The symptoms of the flu include, fever, cough, headache, sore throat, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and chills.  In my experience, these symptoms can generally last from three to seven days.

If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your physician. It is especially important to seek medical attention if symptoms include shortness of breath or persistent fever.  I recommend rest, fluids, and fever reducer. Aspirin is never to be given to anyone, particularly children with flu-like symptoms. 

 As a great person once stated "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  Prevention is the key when it comes to combating influenza. The most common sense preventive measure is hand washing for 20 seconds with soap. I often encourage my patients to cough within their elbow and keep some alcohol based hand sanitizer with them.

I encourage all Bowie residents to consider getting vaccinated, particularly high risk individuals. This includes the elderly, the very young, (under 18 years of age) and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, sickle disease etc.

Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D may play a role in decreasing our risk of respiratory infections like influenza.  Vitamin D, which is processed in the skin from exposure to sunlight, has many functions.  One of its many functions is to enhance our natural defenses to work better. Scientists have postulated that we are more vulnerable to respiratory viral infections during the fall and winter months because our vitamin D level tends to be suboptimal. Although more research is need in this area, vitamin D supplements may have a significant impact on preventing influenza.