updated 2/25/20

Flu season has arrived and the sad fact is that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you just can't avoid getting the flu. Dr. Adam Naddelman, MD, FAAP, President, Princeton Nassau Pediatrics, P.A. has a few tips on how to elude the flu, spot the virus in it's early stages, and what to do when you think that you've been bitten by the bug.

Preventative measures (from flu.gov)

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.

Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits.Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Early flu signs

• Fever, usually 102º - 104º

• Cough

• Body aches that can be severe

Once symptoms begin
People who are high risk (chronic illness like diabetes and asthma, elderly or kids under 2) should seek medical care quickly. If the flu is diagnosed within the first 48 hours, antiviral drugs can be prescribed in hopes of shortening and/or lessening the effects of the flu. A full list of who is considered to be high risk can be found at Flu.gov.

For those considered low risk, Dr. Naddelman believes the best treatment is supportive care, including plenty of fluids, antipyretics to reduce fever and body aches, and lots of rest. 

Considering emergency medical assistance? Listen to episode 307 of the Juicebox Podcast

Dr. Naddelman stresses the importance of being on the look out for secondary infections with the flu, particularly pneumonia. Signs of influenza leading to a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia include a high spiking fever several days into the illness, increasing cough and lethargy, and decreased appetite and oral intake. These signs require immediate medical attention.  

Once you've kicked the flu waiting twenty-four hours to reintroduce yourself to the public after your symptoms and fever have resolved is considered best practice.

Dr. Naddelman practices pediatrics, but his advice is transferrable to patients of all ages.

I've gathered some links from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) that you may find helpful if your child with type 1 diabetes falls prey to the flu.

Ketone/Sick Day Rules - Insulin Pump - pdf

Ketone/Sick Day Rules - NPH - pdf

Sick Day Log Sheet - pdf 

This is a very good time for me to remind you that I am not a doctor and that nothing I write on Arden's Day or anywhere else should be taken as medical advice. My disclaimer says it all but you should really contact your own physician whenever you have questions about your or a loved ones health. Especially when the flu is involved.