Dealing with Flu Dangers

Janet O’Mahony, M.D., is an internal medicine doctor and a member of Mercy Personal Physicians Downtown in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. O’Mahony recently responded to questions from Vitacost.com for a story regarding the flu and how to avoid infection. Here are her insights:

What are some common misperceptions people hold about the flu?

Influenza is responsible for over 30,000 deaths each year and more than 100,000 hospitalizations. In 2024, it surpassed COVID in hospitalization and death. For most adults, flu is marked by intense body aches that put you in your bed for three days, followed by feeling lousy for an additional three to seven days. It can be associated with fever, chest tightness, and decreased appetite. This can be inconvenient if you are too sick to take care of children and miss time from work. Flu can be complicated with pneumonia from the flu virus itself and can be associated with developing bacterial pneumonia. There is a particular type of pneumonia, Staph pneumonia, that is seen in with a person with asthma who develops influenza. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can lead to hospitalization and death. People with lung diseases like COPD and asthma can get exacerbations with severe shortness of breath [from the flu], even without the development of pneumonia.  

What are some of the biggest dangers posed by the flu, and who is most vulnerable to them?

People with pre-existing medical conditions can have problems just from neglecting themselves. For example, a person with type 1 diabetes has to monitor their food intake and monitor their glucose to adjust their insulin dose. If they are in bed for three days and not eating, they may have wildly fluctuating sugar that could require ER visits or hospitalization. Most adults can go a few days without eating but can sometimes get dehydrated from not eating. Some get into trouble when they stop taking their regular medications. This can also lead ER visits or hospital stays. In vulnerable people, the stress of having flu can also lead to heart attack or stroke. The other thing to think about is that when you are sick with flu… your family members [are vulnerable]—and just like when COVID was spiking, hospitals and emergency rooms are full to capacity because everyone is sick at the same time. The pharmacy will be sold out of cough syrup! 

What are some of your best tips for avoiding the flu -- especially steps people commonly overlook? 

[The] flu vaccination is recommended for EVERYONE over six months of age! It can prevent you from getting seriously ill, it can prevent you from spreading it to others. Even if you do not land in the hospital, this illness is a real disruption to your life and responsibilities. For many people, [the flu shot] can prevent hospitalization and death.  In crowded situations, like airports, wearing an N-95 mask can help prevent you from getting sick if you are exposed to someone who is sick with flu around you. Hand washing after contact with other people or public surfaces can prevent spread. Since babies under six months can’t get the vaccine, it is recommended that everyone around the baby, like siblings and adults, all need to be vaccinated to keep the baby safe. 

Virtually everybody gets the flu at some point, and some people get very sick. What are some indicators that your case of the flu is severe enough that you should see a doctor?

If you do get sick with flu, it will typically start with aches, fever, and chest tightness. I recommend taking ibuprofen or Tylenol for the aches, as this can make you less debilitated. It is important to hydrate while you are ill. Drink fluids. Do NOT stop your routine medications. Many people make this mistake. If you have a medical condition like diabetes, you may need more careful monitoring of your condition. You should go to the ER if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath. Antibiotics that treat bacteria do not help for flu unless you develop a separate bacterial pneumonia, so do not ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. There are antiviral [medication] that may help some, so it may be appropriate to talk to your doctor to see if these could help. If you are sick, wearing an N-95 at home and around others may prevent transmission. Avoid going back to school or work until you are fever free for at least 24 hours.  

Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Janet O’Mahony received her medical degree from University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. She completed her internship at Baltimore VA Medical Center and her residency at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.