Naty Camit HopewellTis the season for mumps and influenza. The State of Hawaii has diagnosed more than 600 cases of mumps, most on Oahu and most among adults. You may have received the two shots when you were young, but the immunity may wear out. The State is recommending that anyone born after 1957, ages 10-60, get a booster shot for mumps. If you have had the disease, you are immune for life and don’t need a booster. If you develop a fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, pain while chewing or swallowing and have swollen/painful glands at the angle of your jaw (below the ears), get tested, and then stay home until you get your test results.
Another problem in our community is influenza. Most people can weather the symptoms, but thousands die every year from complications of influenza. You can have the following symptoms– moderately high fever, achy muscles (especially back, arms, legs), chills, sweats, headache, cough, fatigue/ weakness, runny nose and sore throat. If you develop these symptoms and get an anti-viral medication from your medical provider, you may shorten the length of the disease and prevent complications. Stay home because you are contagious for at least 5 days from the onset of symptoms.
Who’s at risk for developing complications? Those at risk are the very young and the old, people on cancer treatment or medications such as oral steroids, those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, pregnant women and obese people.
Complications include bronchitis, asthma flareup, heart problems, ear infections and pneumonia
So, get your flu shot. You may not be 100% protected, but if you get influenza, you won’t be as sick. Stay home so you won’t expose others. Reduce spread of the disease by washing your hands and cover your mouth with your elbow (not your hands) when coughing.