For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 10/22/01

Immunization Against Influenza Can Save Lives

---- A University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Health Tip ----

As American citizens are bombarded with media reports about the potential dangers of contracting the puzzling anthrax disease, less attention has been paid to a common ailment that continues to kill thousands of people every year.  Influenza may not seem more frightening than anthrax, but it can inflict individuals without any warning and cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea, aches and pains, congestion and fatigue.  For some people, influenza can lead to worse.

"Hundreds of thousands of people experience the flu each year," says Dr. Dan Hussar, Remington Professor of Pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.  "Although the symptoms may be relatively mild for some, it's a miserable experience for many others.  The flu can lead to serious complications.  Approximately 20,000 people in the United States die each year from complications of influenza."

The best precaution against influenza is an immunization shot.  It is recommended that individuals receive immunization shots in the fall before the flu season begins.  According to Dr. Hussar, flu shots usually take at least two weeks before full protection against the influenza virus develops.  Therefore, the elderly and those at greater risk of contracting the flu need to get their shots as soon as possible.

 "Flu symptoms develop fairly quickly as opposed to colds, where symptoms develop gradually," says Dr. Hussar.  "There are newer medications available such as Tamiflu and Relenza that are helpful in reducing flu symptoms, but the best step is to get an immunization shot."

Some anthrax symptoms are similar to the effects of influenza, but medications for treating these ailments are extremely different.  Taking the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Cipro) will not help individuals who contract influenza but fear they have been exposed to anthrax.

"Cipro is of no value whatsoever for people who have the flu," says Dr. Hussar.  "I would strongly discourage people from taking or stockpiling Cipro if they experience flu-like symptoms.  They can develop side effects from Cipro, and using it in situations in which it is not needed or effective will increase the likelihood of resistance developing to its action.  Local pharmacists are very important in times like these.  They can help people distinguish between colds, influenza or bacterial infections.  If they can't make a decision because of lack of information, they will recommend that people see their physicians so diagnostic tests can be performed.

"People feel like they know more about influenza than they do about anthrax, so they are not too concerned about getting the flu," adds Dr. Hussar.  "They take it for granted, and take their chances that they won't come down with the flu.  It's when we let our guard down that we are the most vulnerable."

To arrange an interview with Dr. Hussar, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186 or email: j.martin@usip.edu.

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