So many folks are sick- what is going on?

Local Medical Update! What sickness are we seeing right now in our area? Of course we are seeing the flu. With that many folks are nauseated, some with vomiting and some with diarrhea. Slight fevers are seen, and some mild respiratory complaints

The current state of flu activity in the United States, as of mid-December 2023, is characterized by elevated levels of seasonal influenza. The most recent reports indicate:

1. Elevated Influenza Activity: As of the week ending December 23, 2023, influenza activity is elevated and continues to rise in most parts of the country, including our area. This trend is consistent with typical seasonal patterns and is certainly not unusual.

2. Predominant Virus Strain: The most frequently reported influenza virus during this period is the influenza A(H1N1) strain. This is important for diagnostic and treatment purposes, as different strains can have varying levels of severity and response to treatment​​.

3. Symptoms and Outpatient Visits: Approximately 5.1% of outpatient visits during Week 51 of 2023 were due to respiratory illnesses that included fever plus a cough or sore throat, also known as influenza-like illness (ILI). This percentage is above the national baseline of 2.9% and indicates an increase from the previous week. The symptoms that I mentioned, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild respiratory complaints, align with common flu symptoms​​.

In summary, the current flu season is marked by a significant rise in influenza activity, with the A(H1N1) strain being predominant. The increased rates of hospitalization and outpatient visits due to ILI are indicative of the flu's impact on public health. It's important for individuals to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary, especially those in high-risk groups. Now I am recommending several things for the flu. First of all, there are supplements and vitamins that will improve your immune response, such as

1. Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, Liposomal vitamin C can help the body fight off infections. Regular intake of vitamin C through diet or supplements is strongly advised during flu season.

2. Vitamin D3: This vitamin plays a crucial role in immune function. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to increased susceptibility to infections, including the flu.

3. Zinc: Zinc is essential for immune system function and has been shown to reduce the duration of cold symptoms.

4. Elderberry: Many studies suggest that elderberry supplements can help reduce the severity and duration of influenza symptoms.

5. Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can support gut health, which is closely tied to immune function. A healthy gut flora can help the body fend off pathogens.

6. Echinacea: Often used in herbal medicine, echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system.

7. Garlic: Known for its antiviral properties, garlic may help boost the immune system.

8. Ginger: Often used for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can also help with nausea and vomiting, which are common flu symptoms.

9. Oscillicum is a great natural homeopathic remedy that many experts feel is better than Tamiflu..

If you need something stronger for nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea or hydration, you should probably call the office or visit your nearest Urgent Care Facility. These persistent or worsening symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious condition or can lead to complications like dehydration, which might require medical intervention ( an office visit) or a hospitalization. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Contact Your Preferred Healthcare Provider( B2B or a local urgent care): If over-the-counter remedies and home care aren't effective in managing these symptoms, it's important to seek additional help. B2B or local urgent care’s can assess your condition and may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments.

2. Prescription Medications: For severe nausea and vomiting, prescription antiemetic medications can be more effective. Similarly, there are specific treatments for severe diarrhea that are only available by prescription.

3. Hydration Solutions: Dehydration can be a serious concern, especially with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Your healthcare provider might recommend oral rehydration solutions or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including their frequency and severity, and any other accompanying signs like fever or abdominal pain. This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and treating the issue..

5. Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience symptoms like extreme weakness, dizziness, signs of dehydration (such as reduced urination, dry mouth, or feeling excessively thirsty), or blood in vomit or stool, seek emergent medical attention.

Remember, managing flu symptoms effectively often involves a combination of self-care measures and professional medical advice, especially for more severe or persistent symptoms.

What about COVID-19

The other thing we are seeing is COVID-19. The current strain seems to mostly bring with it a sore throat, a slight fever, and a cough with some congestion

I did a quick search for more information and here's what I discovered.

The current COVID-19 situation, as of December 2023, is characterized by the emergence and spread of a new variant, JN.1, along with a general increase in COVID-19 activity:

1. JN.1 Variant: The JN.1 variant, a descendant of the BA.2.86 strain, has a mutation (L455S) in the spike protein. It's now the most widely circulating variant in the United States, accounting for an estimated 39-50% of all SARS-CoV-2 variants as of late December 2023. This represents a significant increase from its earlier prevalence. JN.1's growth suggests that it might be more transmissible or better at evading immune systems than other circulating variants​​.

2. Symptoms of JN.1: The symptoms associated with JN.1 are thought to be similar to those of other members of the Omicron family. These typically include a sore throat, followed by congestion and a dry cough. Other common symptoms may include a runny nose, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever, diarrhea, and an altered sense of smell. The severity of symptoms can vary based on individual factors such as age, immune status, and vaccination status​​​​.

3. General COVID-19 Trends: Apart from JN.1, there's an expected overall increase in COVID-19 activity during the fall and winter season, which is consistent with patterns observed in previous years (ie this is NOTHING new). This increase is evident in various metrics, including emergency department visits, test positivity rates, wastewater levels, and hospitalizations. As a result, it's recommended to take extra precautions, especially considering that other respiratory diseases like influenza are also on the rise​​.

4. Response to Treatments: It's important to note that existing treatments are still effective against the JN.1 variant.

In summary, the JN.1 variant is the current dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous Omicron variants. The overall COVID-19 activity is increasing, and it's crucial to continue following recommended precautions.

With COVID-19, JN.1 I am advising folks to treat the symptoms, stay well hydrated, stay rested and to call if treating the symptoms makes things no better. I also follow the guidelines as put forth in www.flccc.net for treatment and prevention of covid.

B2B is advising patients with COVID-19, specifically with the JN.1 variant, advice that sounds well-aligned with general medical guidance and focuses on symptom management, hydration, rest, and seeking professional medical advice when necessary. Here's a breakdown of my B2B recommendations:

1. Treat the Symptoms: Managing symptoms like sore throat( gargles), cough( Delsym, Vicks Vaporub, etc), congestion( pseudoephedrine, etc), and fever with over-the-counter medications can help provide comfort and relief. Symptomatic treatment is essential, especially in the early stages of the illness.

2. Stay Well Hydrated: Hydration is crucial, especially if the illness is accompanied by fever, which can lead to increased fluid loss. Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain electrolyte balance and supports overall health.

3. Stay Rested: Adequate rest is vital for recovery. It allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection and helps in speeding up the recovery process.

4. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: We are advising patients to call if there's no improvement in symptoms . Persistent or worsening symptoms may require medical intervention.

5. Following FLCCC Guidelines: The FLCCC (Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance) provides protocols for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. These protocols often include a range of treatments and preventive measures. It's important for us all to stay updated with the latest recommendations from various health authorities, especially the FLCCC. (WWW.FLCCC.NET)

As with any medical treatment or advice, it's crucial to consider individual patient factors such as age, underlying health conditions, etc.,. Continuously updating knowledge based on the latest scientific research and guidelines is essential for providing the best possible care to patients.

If we can help or can answer any questions, get in touch.

Dr. P, Sherri and Kyndall