People are scared. Now that several victims have died, pulmonary anthrax has changed the way we evaluate symptoms such as lung congestion, cough, achy muscles or a fever.
Because such warning signs could be caused by either flu or inhalation anthrax, some doctors have encouraged the public to get flu shots now. According to this thinking, if fewer people got flu, hospitals would be less overcrowded with sufferers anxious that they might have anthrax. Doctors could pay more attention to diagnosing possible anthrax in those who did become ill.
But infectious-disease experts and public-health officials say this strategy could backfire. For one thing, there is never enough influenza vaccine for everyone. Officials estimate this year that approximately 80 million doses will be produced, about half of which have been made available so far. That's why those at highest risk are supposed to get their shots first.
Although there has been no suggestion that the flu will be especially ferocious this year, even in an average year 100,000 people might get sick.
So, what should you do if you are worried about coming down with flu this winter? Fortunately, there are other strategies for protection. Hand-washing is key, and avoiding contact with infected individuals when possible is also helpful.
Effective antiviral flu medicines are available, even though they are underutilized and many patients are unaware of them. Not only do medicines like amantadine, Flumadine (rimantadine), Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) help victims recover more quickly from influenza, several studies demonstrate that they can also prevent flu.
All of these drugs are available only by prescription, but unlike over-the-counter "flu medicines" that only treat the symptoms, they have an impact on the underlying infection. They are not interchangeable, however. Flumadine and the older medicine amantadine fight influenza A, which is the more severe form, but will do nothing against influenza B. Tamiflu and Relenza are active against both forms of flu, but Relenza, an inhaled powder, is not recommended for those with asthma or breathing difficulties, or for elderly people who might have trouble learning to use the "diskhaler."
This is not a good year to be stoic and ignore flu symptoms. Now is the time, though, to talk with your doctor about a strategy for coping with influenza before it arrives in your community. There is a rapid test for flu that can be done in a doctor's office. Armed with results, a physician can prescribe appropriate treatment promptly to reduce influenza symptoms and alleviate any anxiety that it might be anthrax.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press).
(c) 2001 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Tuesday, November 13, 2001.
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