The flu is making an appearance around the country, but in many cases it isn’t behaving like the usual influenza. There are reports that people are ill with aches and fatigue. They lose their appetites, but they don’t have much fever and aren’t coughing and sneezing as they normally would with flu.
Experts have expressed concern that some of these cases may be misdiagnosed as bacterial infections and mistreated with antibiotics, which are appropriate against bacteria but worthless against flu viruses.
They are debating among themselves whether the flu shot may be offering partial protection against type A influenza, leading it to produce different symptoms from the usual flu infection. Most public health experts recommend getting immunized even though the vaccine this year is an imperfect match for the flu viruses that are circulating. It will be months before we know whether this strategy is effective.
People who begin to feel ill should check with the doctor immediately, as antiviral medicines can help if taken within the first two days of symptoms.
