As flu season begins, health officials are warning of potential widespread infection following a family’s recent bout with the influenza virus in taiwan. The case, involving a 67-year-old woman and her grandson, highlights the importance of vaccination and early symptom recognition, particularly as preventative measures like mask-wearing have decreased since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic . Experts emphasize that the flu can present with severe symptoms and led to serious complications, urging prompt medical attention for those experiencing fever, body aches, and respiratory issues.
▲Dr. Zhuo Ni (right) reminds people that if you experience high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, sore throat, and severe cough, seek medical attention immediately; the patient in the photo is not related to this article. (Chen Jianzhi/Reporter)
A 67-year-old woman recently visiting her doctor for a diabetes medication refill was found to have a cough and sore throat. A temperature check revealed a fever of 101.3°F, prompting a rapid flu test that confirmed she had influenza. Further questioning revealed her grandson had recently contracted the flu at daycare, and she hadn’t received a flu vaccine. Now, the entire family is experiencing similar symptoms, raising concerns of a widespread infection.
Don’t Ignore Coughs and Sore Throats During Flu Season
Dr. Zhuo Ni, a family medicine physician at Asia University Hospital, explained that flu cases typically rise with the onset of autumn each year. While common colds usually present with mild symptoms that resolve within a few days, the flu can be much more severe, causing high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, sore throat, and a severe cough to develop rapidly. The flu can also lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, or myocarditis. This is particularly concerning as many people have stopped wearing masks since the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the transmissibility of the influenza virus.
Dr. Zhuo Ni noted that, like the 67-year-old patient, many individuals underestimate their risk and don’t get vaccinated, or fail to recognize symptoms when a family member is sick. This can lead to a high fever, like the 101.3°F experienced by the patient, going unnoticed. This scenario is common during flu season, with many older adults and those with chronic conditions initially dismissing symptoms like a sore throat or mild cough as a “common cold” and delaying medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing severe illness and complications.
The influenza virus’s ability to mutate rapidly means that immunity from previous infections doesn’t always provide protection against new strains, which is why annual flu vaccination is so important. Vaccine effectiveness also decreases over time, typically waning after about six months. Therefore, annual vaccination is a key preventative measure, especially for older adults, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination remains the best strategy for prevention, rather than relying on antiviral medications after infection.
Dr. Zhuo Ni urges anyone eligible for a free flu vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those not eligible can opt for a paid vaccine. She also recommends practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, wearing masks, avoiding prolonged stays in crowded spaces, and seeking prompt medical attention if you develop a fever, muscle aches, or extreme fatigue.
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