Each week, Centra Care doctors compile thousands of numbers from patient data in Orange, Lake, Seminole and Osceola counties to determine "What's Going Around" in Central Florida. We believe this information is important enough to share with you, because if you know "What's Going Around" in your area of town you can help to prevent yourself, your co-workers and family from getting sick. Many times we are also able to provide home care suggestions which may help the person feel better more quickly.
Not much has changed in the past week, Influenza and Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), continue to be What's Going Around in Central Florida. In the past week Centra Care has treated more than 300 Influenza patients and over 500 with Upper Respiratory Infection. Out of all 18 locations, the areas surrounding these Centra Care centers saw the most patients with either Flu or URI:
Hunters Creek, Clermont, Waterford Lakes, Sanford & Lee Road in Winter Park.
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The hard part is figuring out just what illness you have. If it is influenza, the earlier you are diagnosed can make a difference in how long the flu lasts or how severe it may become. So, how do you tell if it's H1N1 flu, seasonal flu, or just the common cold? All three are upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, so many of the symptoms appear to be similar. Chest congestion, a sore throat and a feeling of tiredness are all symptoms of a cold, but if they are accompanied by extreme weakness, muscle and joint aches and a high fever, then you also have telltale symptoms of the flu. Generally, flu symptoms come on more quickly and are much more severe than cold symptoms. Below is a chart that can help you determine if you have a cold or the flu:
| Symtoms |
Cold |
Seasonal Influenza (flu) |
| Fever |
Rare |
Usual; high (100°F to 102°F; occasionally higher, especially in young children); lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Common |
| General Aches, Pains |
Slight |
Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness |
Sometimes |
Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion |
Never |
Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough |
Mild to moderate; hacking cough |
Common; can become severe |
© National Institutes of Health
So far, the symptoms of H1N1 flu have been very similar to seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. According to the CDC, some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1. While this is not common in adults with seasonal flu, these symptoms are often found in children with seasonal flu. If you think you have the flu it's important to seek medical care quickly. The flu can cause serious complications for some people such as bacterial pneumonia, or it can worsen chronic medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Complications are more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children, and pregnant women.
The difficulty in self-diagnosing is you don't know for sure what you're dealing with; only lab tests can determine just what type of flu you may have. Centra Care has a quick influenza test which can tell within minutes if you've got the influenza. Newer prescription medications (like Tamiflu) are very effective, and all Centra Care locations carry this - - BUT you need to start the medication within 48 hours of symptom onset or they won't work - so don't wait too long before being seen for Flu symptoms.
For locations and directions visit: www.CentraCare.org. We’ll update you again next week.
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3