Colder weather heralds the approach of Christmas, and just like years before, the flu comes with dipping temperatures. To increase awareness and urge the public to take precautions against infection as the peak of flu season commences, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) invited pediatrics expert and the Department of Health Deputy Minister Dr. Tzou-Yien Lin, along with gynecologists, obstetricians, and other physicians specializing in internal medicine, infectious diseases and family medicine to dress up as Santa Clauses and give advice for a healthy holiday season. The Santas addressed common questions from out-patients and the online community such as “What’s the difference between a cold and a flu?”, “Are rapid influenza tests necessary?”, “Must I take Tamiflu?”, “Is it safe for pregnant women with the flu to take medication?”, “What is the best way to prevent the flu?” and others.

The Cathay General Hospital Vice-Superintendent and attending physician specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Cheng-Hua Huang, warned that many often mistake the flu for a severe cold. Although symptoms for both conditions include coughing, runny nose and sore throat, flu-related complications and death are much more likely among patients with flu. A fever lasting for a few days, pain such as head- and muscle-aches, and fatigue are common flu symptoms, and the virus is highly infectious. It is also common for the whole family to fall ill at the same time, so people are encouraged to seek prompt medical attention at the first sign of sickness and get lots of rest. Not all symptoms can be diagnosed through rapid diagnostic test, but such screening can certainly assist the physician in assessing symptoms more thoroughly. However, signs of severe complications– such as shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, or women who are pregnant – require special medical assessment for specialized treatment. If a rapid diagnostic test is not required, publicly-funded antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza can be taken to reduce the risk of follow-up complications.

The Taiwan CDC Director-General Dr. Feng-Yee Chang and Deputy Minister Tzou-Yien Lin remind those infected with the flu to take medication as instructed by physicians and to get lots of rest. Most can make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks, but if symptoms such as shortness of breath, breathing difficulty, cyanosis, blood-stained mucus or thickening of mucus, chest pain, change of consciousness, and low blood pressure or high fever that persists for more than 48 hours develop, please seek appropriate medical assistance at a hospital immediately to facilitate prompt administration of treatment. Since children are less able to articulate their symptoms, parents should take care to observe if their child appears fatigued, has trouble waking up from sleep, or develops loss of consciousness.

Antiviral drugs should only be used if prescribed by a physician and work best if taken within 48 hours of the first sign of flu symptom. However, if taken after 48 hours, the medication can still help prevent some flu-related complications. Some parents stop administering vital flu medication to their child if their child resists; but stopping a doctor-prescribed drug regime prematurely is ill-advised and will actually increase the virus’s resistance to the drug. Rather, parents should consult a physician if they experience difficulty administering anti-flu medication to their child.

Traditionally, sick, pregnant Chinese women were advised not to take medicine to avoid negatively affecting the health of their unborn babies. However, Dr. Hong-Chih Hsu, a physician in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Taiwan Adventist Hospital, warns that leaving the flu untreated in pregnant women will bring greater risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Doctors assess the case of each pregnant woman individually to prescribe safe medication for flu treatment. If needed, government-funded antiviral drugs are available and can be used to treat the flu in pregnant women.  Dr. Ju-Li Li, the Secretary General of the Taiwan Association of Family Medicine says that the flu affects individuals of all ages, but especially people at high risk of developing influenza-related complications such as infants, young children, elderly and people with chronic diseases. Dr. Li urges everyone to mind these five to-do tips to avoid infection and prevent the spread of the flu: 1. Receive flu vaccinate as soon as possible; 2. Look out for flu symptoms; 3. Go to a hospital for medical attention when influenza-related complications develop; 4. Follow doctor-prescribed medication regimen and get lots of rest at home; 5. Practice good hygiene – often wash hands with soap, and when coughing, wear a protective mask.

Leading up to and right after Christmas is the peak of flu season and annual reviews place flu-related deaths at around 100 -200 per year, but the actual death toll could be higher.  The threat of influenza cannot be ignored. To ensure a healthy and happy holiday season, Taiwan CDC invited pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, and other physicians specializing in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and family medicine to dress up as Santa Clauses and decorate a Christmas tree with five bells, each representing a to-do tip for avoiding infection and preventing the spread of the flu, as a reminder for all to take preventative measures against the flu.