By T.J. DePaola, PharmD
December marks the beginning of peak flu season, which typically runs through February, and can even extend well into May.
On the heels of a record-breaking flu season last year – where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated more than 900,000 people were hospitalized and more than 80,000 people died from flu – people are taking the importance of vaccination a lot more seriously. Especially as this season is already tracking with equal concern.
Similarly, during the winter, strep throat cases are also more prevalent. Although many sore throats are a result of a virus, strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils which causes uncomfortable inflammation.
Prevention
While completely safeguarding against the flu or strep throat is rather difficult, there are several steps you can take to fend off each illness. They are:
• Get a flu shot – to protect against flu viruses that research suggests will be most common this season.
• Maintain your immunity – by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising frequently, sleeping 7-9 hours per night, reducing stress, and keeping a health body mass index (BMI), all to help your system fend of germs.
• Wash your hands regularly – ensuring bacteria is less likely to reach your nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing – it’s best to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, since respiratory secretions on hands and touching objects can also spread bacteria.
• Avoid direct contact – with those suffering from strep or the flu.
• Evade sharing cups or utensils – to avoid ingesting germs that could spread strep or flu.
• Try flu antiviral drugs – to help prevent flu from taking hold (before you get sick).
• Take the full 10-day course of antibiotics – if they are prescribed to you to avoid a relapse.
The importance of getting tested
Diagnosing flu and strep early is critical because the earlier a patient can begin taking appropriate medications, the more likely symptoms can be eased. Another benefit to a prompt confirmation, is the faster a person can remove themselves from interacting with others, the sooner they can stop spreading germs. Flu confirmation can also help doctors of pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems, to make decisions about their patients’ care.
In-store flu and strep testing
Cypress Pharmacy offers a fast and convenient in-store flu and strep screening. While the height of flu season is bringing 2-3 hour wait times to some doctors’ offices, the in-pharmacy nasal test can deliver a positive result within a minute of screening. Cypress Pharmacy will then promptly contact the patient’s physician to inform them of the diagnosis and to request a prescription. Within half an hour, a patient can be in-and-out of the pharmacy, tested, diagnosed and sent home with medication to ease their symptoms while recovering. The flu and strep screening at Cypress Pharmacy costs just $40 per test.
Cypress Pharmacy is a compounding pharmacy that has been providing pharmaceutical and healthcare services in Fort Myers for more than 40 years. The entire staff, including pharmacists T.J. DePaola and Justin Ceravolo, are dedicated to providing the best possible service to every customer. For more information, call 239-481-7322 or visit www.cypresspharmacy.com.