Mary Lynn Tucker

Mary Lynn Tucker is a registered nurse, yoga instructor and 20-year resident of the lake. She has worked in the field of wellness and health education since 1978 and currently serves on the adjunct faculty at The Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu season peaks between December and March. It's not too late to get a flu shot, because you're likely to benefit if you get it any time during the season.

If you are one who shies away from needles, there are antiviral drugs that can be taken, although these drugs are not intended to replace a vaccination,

Amantadine and rimantadine (older agents) and Tamiflu and Relenza (newer agents) can prevent flu viruses from replicating once they get inside the body.

The older agents work only against influenza A, the most common type of flu.

Tamiflu and Relenza are effective against both influenza A and B.

Tamiflu comes in oral capsule and liquid form. Relenza is a powder designed to be inhaled through the mouth like some asthma medications.

Unless cost is the primary factor, prescribers should probably choose Tamiflu or Relenza. The CDC advises that flu virus strains may have become too resistant to the older agents.

To be effective, the antiviral drug must get an early crack at the flu virus.

For treatment, the drug should be started within two days after symptoms begin, and the sooner the better. For prevention, the drug should be started within two days of contact with an infected person.

When started promptly to treat the flu, these agents have been reported to cut the duration of illness dramatically, by up to three days.

Flu vaccines must be updated yearly to match currently circulating strains of the flu virus. In contrast, the effectiveness of antiviral drugs is not limited to specific strains.

An antiviral drug can be used to supplement the flu vaccination in certain situations. For example, suppose you decide to get vaccinated after a flu outbreak has been reported in your area.

Once you receive a flu shot, it takes about two weeks for your immune system to gear up enough protective antibodies. During this "lag time," you can still get the flu.

Richard Harkness is a consultant pharmacist, natural medicines specialist and author of eight published books.

LAKE LIVING