Flu season is officially here! The geographic distribution of confirmed flu
cases has been steadily increasing week over week – 6 US states are reporting
regional distribution this week, which doubled from last week. The unfortunate truth is that it’s not
possible to predict what this flu season will be like. While the flu spreads
every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season is unpredictable.
Generally, seasonal flu activity occurs between October and May with it peaking
in North America between December and February.
In my neck of the woods (Ontario, Canada) we see our biggest peak during
the week of Christmas....not the type of present most of us are dreaming of!
As we’ve done a number of blogs on influenza, I’m not
going to repeat signs, symptoms or hints to keeping you healthy. However, after reading an interesting summary
of a survey conducted by the CDC highlighting the fact that almost all of the
41 million estimated contact lens wearers in the United States are engaging in
at least one behavior known to increase their risk of eye infections, I thought
it would be the perfect reminder of how cold and flu viruses are spread. The survey concluded that more than 99% of
survey respondents reported at least one risky behavior such as; keeping their
contact lens cases for longer than recommended (82%); “Topping off” solution in
the case—adding new solution to the existing solution instead of emptying the
case out fully before adding new solution (55%); or wearing their lenses while
sleeping (50%).
So let’s talk about risky behavior. Topping off with any form of disinfectant is
a BAD idea. You need the right
concentration to kill bugs. I’m
surprised they didn’t ask the question to find out if people perform hand
hygiene before putting in, taking out or adjusting contacts. If we are going to
talk about risky business, that is definitely one of them!
Most cough, cold and flu viruses are believed
to be passed from person to person by contact with respiratory
droplets through direct bodily contact (such as kissing) or touching something
with virus on it (such as shaking hands with someone who has the flu) and
then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Combine this with the fact there is a plethora of scientific evidence
that people touch their faces an average of 3.6 times per hour, and common
objects an average of 3.3 times per hour means that germs get on our hands much
more frequently than we wash them off!
Being a person who used to wear contacts, I know that I had a horrible
rate of self-touching - in fact I stopped wearing contacts due to dry eyes
which lead to my constantly rubbing or touching them with my fingers which
eventually lead to getting an ulcer.
As peak flu season is only 6 weeks away, I hope you’ll
start thinking about where your fingers have been - and if you wear contacts
ensure that you wash your hands before you touch your eyes to avoid your risk
of getting the flu!
Bugging Off!
Nicole
