Doctors get calls about anthrax worries

PORTLAND – At the start of this year’s flu season, medical offices in Maine are fielding calls from patients who are worried that their chills and aches may be symptoms of something more serious – bioterrorism.

Physicians are concerned that their offices will be overwhelmed if people grow more fearful about anthrax.

“There is the potential,” said Dr. Daniel Pierce, a physician at InterMed’s Yarmouth office. “It would clearly be a little bit more challenging.”

State epidemiologist Kathleen Gensheimer said patients should not lose perspective as Maine heads into flu season. She advised patients to assess the likelihood that flulike symptoms came from anthrax exposure before calling their doctors.

Symptoms common to both the flu and anthrax are fever, prolonged fatigue, muscle aches, headache, chest discomfort, chills and coughing. So far, no anthrax victims have suffered runny noses or nasal congestion – which are, of course, common ailments of the common cold or the flu.

One man reportedly went to Mercy Hospital with upper respiratory problems, wondering whether he was exposed to anthrax by a postcard or the white powder he found at a coffee shop. It turned out to be bronchitis.

Physicians say the public is staying composed, well aware that there have been no cases of anthrax in Maine.

“We have not hit the full-blown flu season – that might get them nervous,” said Dr. Nathan Wilson at PrimeCare Physician Associates. “But so far they have been commendably calm.”

Flu season in Maine peaks after late December.

Some people, meanwhile, are worried about delays in shipments of flu vaccine. Some health care centers have received their orders, but others may have to wait several weeks.

Gensheimer said she is concerned that some of that demand for flu shots may be originating from inaccurate information. She has spoken to some people who mistakenly believed that if they had any flulike symptoms after getting a flu shot, anthrax could more easily be identified as the culprit.

“The influenza vaccine is a fabulous health tool,” she said. “But it won’t help make the diagnosis of anthrax any easier.”

Flu shots do not eliminate the risk for other viruses and bacterial infections that can cause flulike symptoms, Gensheimer said.