How to Manage the Flu with a Chronic Condition

With recent news coverage about the coronavirus outbreak, you may have thought the flu season was over. Actually, the flu activity in the United States remains high, according to the weekly report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Overall, it is estimated that there have been at least 29 million cases of flu and close to 300,000 hospital visits due to the flu for this season. About 16,000 deaths have been associated with the flu, and 105 of them were from kids.

In healthy adults, the flu usually causes mild to moderate symptoms, including fever, cough and muscle aches. It becomes worrisome when the flu infects people who are at higher risk for complications. The at-risk groups include children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with a weakened immune system, and people with certain chronic conditions.

Are chronic conditions at risk for flu complications?

According to the CDC, people with heart disease, asthma, and diabetes have a higher risk of serious complications when infected with the flu.

Heart disease has been found as the most common chronic condition among patients who had flu-related hospital visits during previous flu seasons. Additionally, the flu has been associated with an increased rate of heart attack and stroke.

Even more alarming, the rate of developing a heart attack within a week of flu infection is six times higher in those with heart disease when compared to other patients.

In patients with asthma, the flu can lead to increased inflammation of the airways. The inflamed airway can trigger asthma attacks and lead to exacerbation or worsening of symptoms. In addition, the flu can lead to other severe respiratory complications, such as pneumonia.

Diabetes is another common chronic condition found in flu-related hospitalized patients. The flu can affect the blood sugar control of people with diabetes. It typically causes the blood sugar level to fluctuate and require closer monitoring and meal planning.

Diabetes also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Diabetic patients infected with the flu are six times more likely to have a hospital visit from the flu and three times more likely to die from flu-related complications.

Why you should get the flu vaccine

It is important to get protected from the flu, especially for people with a higher risk for complications. The flu vaccine has been shown to be the best protection against the flu.

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce worsening episodes for patients with respiratory disease, and also reduce the rate of hospital admission for heart disease or other causes of deaths in patients with diabetes. A study has found the flu vaccination also reduced the risk of cardiovascular complications by more than 50% in patients who had a heart attack a year prior.

It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. If you have not already, visit your provider or local pharmacy for the annual flu shot.

Besides the flu shot, it is also good to practice safe hygiene and other good habits, including washing your hands frequently, to provide additional protection against the flu.

How to manage the flu with a chronic condition

Despite getting the flu shot and practicing safe hygiene, there are still some chances that one may contract the flu. Let’s review some signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with the flu:

• Fever
• General weakness or fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Sneezing and coughing
• A sore throat that usually worsens over time
• Nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea

If you wake up with some of these symptoms, it is extremely important to go ahead and schedule a visit with your provider or go to an urgent care facility right away for timely diagnosis and treatment. The medications that are used to treat the flu, including Tamiflu (available as generic oseltamivir) and Xofluza, work best when taken within 48 hours from when you first notice symptoms of the flu.

Besides antiviral medications, certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with treating the flu symptoms. The following points can be used as a starting guide, but always consult with your provider or pharmacist which OTC option would not interfere with the management of your chronic conditions.

Pain or Headache Medications

• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and aspirin if you have kidney disease or any heart conditions, including high blood pressure.
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be a safe option. However, those with liver disease should consult their provider first.

Cough or Multi-Symptoms Medications

• Many of these products may contain more than one drug or labeled as active ingredient, so it is important to read the container labeling carefully.
• Avoid products containing alcohol or sugar if you have diabetes as they may affect the blood sugar level. These may be listed in the “inactive ingredients” section.
• Avoid oral decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) if you have diabetes or heart conditions, including high blood pressure.
• Older antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Dimetapp (brompheniramine), and Unisome (doxylamine) may display side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and redness, in the elderly.
• Safer antihistamine alternatives include the newer ones, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine).

Besides taking medications to help cure the flu or alleviate the symptoms, following these few tips will help you recover much faster as well:

• Increase fluid intake: Drinking an adequate amount of fluids could help prevent dehydration.
• Give yourself adequate rest: It is important to allow your body time to cool down and relax during the sick period.
• Ensure that you maintain a nutritious diet: A healthy diet can help speed up your recovery.

No one wants to have the flu. However, if you identify as someone with a higher risk for flu complications, it is extremely important to see your provider at the earliest sign or symptoms of the flu. Doing so may prevent your health from getting much worse and keep you outside of the hospital.