Many different viruses floating around the metropolis are creating unrest among our population and we (medical providers) are on the alert. Understandably, people have concerns for viral spread. As far as the Ebola virus, the local Dallas Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have jumped in to contain it and protect us. Due to high mortality levels, Ebola fears are at the forefront of the United States concerns and the CDC has the Emergency Operations Center at Level 1, its highest ready levels.
We all need to be diligent with our hygiene, and medical institutions now have low thresholds for testing anyone ill coming from overseas. In our clinic, sick travelers must put on readily-available facemasks as soon as they enter our doors then answer a series of medical history questions before rapidly directing them to sick rooms.
Enterovirus 68 is another disease that has reached our area. This widespread respiratory virus has sickened thousands of children and now has been reported to have caused at least 4 child deaths and several cases of paralysis. Now, it has arrived in Dallas.
Another virus that will be escalating in numbers will be the flu. I understand the fear of Ebola and Enterovirus 68, but don’t forget about the flu. Annually, the flu kills between 3,000-49,000 people. An annual flu vaccine reduces the possibility of the flu by 70-90% (up to 66% in children) and reduces the risk of flu-related deaths by as much as 80%. So please get vaccinated.
Important facts (you probably never knew) related to the above viruses
1. Enterovirus can remain in the stool for up to a week after infection. Regular hand washing after toileting can prevent spread of most viruses (remember to finish singing Happy Birthday during the cleansing routine).
2. Ebola can remain in the semen for up to 3 months after recovery. Practicing basic preventative hygiene (CDC.gov) can reduce the likelihood of viral spread.
3. Influenza vaccine can reduce the risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke and other cardiovascular injury by as much as 50%.