Despite vaccinations, influenza remains a serious health hazard, affecting 30 million to 50 million Americans each year. Influenza accounts for millions of days lost from work or school, 85,000-500,000 hospital admissions and, on average, 36,000 deaths each year, according to U.S. government statistics.

This year has brought on a particularly harsh flu season, because the current vaccine prevented only 40 percent of flu-causing strains of the virus — down from the 70 to 80 percent that are usually prevented. From the young to the old, the flu is hitting everyone around us — myself included. It is a truly miserable and drawn-out session of sleepless nights, high fevers and hacking coughs.

For the next few months, influenza viruses will continue to circle the nation, so it's vitally important that we recognize symptoms of the flu and differentiate them from those of other viral infections such as a cold or a sore throat.

In general, the flu brings several cardinal symptoms: sudden onset of high fever (greater than 101 degrees), generalized aches and pains, severe headache, a mild sore throat, stuffy nose, as well as a persistent and troublesome cough. This is different from a viral sore throat or cold, which usually starts more gradually with a cough, sore throat and nasal stuffiness. In addition, there is generally the absence of fever, headaches or generalized aches and pains.

Diagnosing the flu is an easy task through a simple nasal swab for the influenza virus. Within 30 minutes, you should know whether you have influenza. If you think you have the flu, get checked immediately. Starting antiviral therapy within 24 hours of diagnosis can markedly reduce the severity of the symptoms, and the length of the illness, which can occasionally last for as long as two weeks.

The antiviral therapies that are the most effective include Tamiflu, an oral medication taken twice daily for five days, and Relenza, a powder that is inhaled twice daily for five days. Unfortunately, rather than being tested, most patients who become ill call their physicians, who inappropriately prescribe an antibiotic.

Remember, the vast majority of fevers, coughs, sore throats and sinus congestion are caused by viruses; therefore, antibiotic use, apart from being unnecessary, can lead to resistant bacteria and serious problems at a later date.

Unfortunately, the flu is not just a frustrating health nuisance; influenza can, on occasion, bring about serious complications. These are much more likely to occur in the very young or very old. Many older people become dehydrated and confused and are prone to inhaling mucus into their lungs, which can lead to a serious bacterial pneumonia. Far more dangerous are viral complications, which include encephalitis, myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (which is associated with potentially fatal damage to the lungs). In many children and some adults, an ear infection can occur in patients who develop the flu.

Influenza is highly infectious and readily spreads from one person to another, whether by direct contact or through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes without covering his nose and mouth. Patients with influenza should not to go to work or school. It is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or frequently use a gel antiseptic. If you must be around others, consider wearing a mask to prevent spread of the virus. And when sneezing or coughing, always turn away and cover your mouth and nose.

It is very possible that Americans will experience another influenza pandemic in the coming years. Though many people point to bird flu as the next great epidemic, we already have virulent mutations of the influenza virus that are wreaking havoc today. It is critically important to be aware of the flu, to be compulsive about vaccinations and to know how to seek treatment that can be life saving. Do not let the low effectiveness of this year's vaccine keep you from being proactive. Even in this "bad year" for the vaccine, the prevalence of the illness is only a fraction of what it would be if at-risk populations were not vaccinated.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.drdavidhealth.com.

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