Key
Facts About the Flu
Influenza (commonly called “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory
illness caused by influenza viruses. Infection with influenza viruses can result
in severe illness and life-threatening complications. That is why we recommend
flu shots.
Symptoms of flu include fever (usually
high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, and muscle aches. Gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults.
Spread of Flu
Influenza viruses are spread when a person
who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and
other people inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or
lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. The
viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on
it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.
A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses – that means they
are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before developing
symptoms to up to 7 days after getting sick. Children can be
contagious for longer than 7 days.
The
following steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu:
 | Avoid
close contact with people who are
sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from
getting sick too. |
| Stay
home when you are sick. If
possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You
will help prevent others from catching your illness. |
| Cover
your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth
and nose with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. |
| Clean
your hands. Washing your hands often
will help protect you from germs. |
| Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs
are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with
germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. |
What to Do If You Get Sick This Flu Season
If you develop the flu, it is advisable to get plenty of rest, drink a
lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take
medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to
children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms – and particularly fever.)
If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if you
are having trouble breathing), you may need to call us or your primary care
physician, or go to the Emergency Room.
People 65 years or older, people with chronic
medical conditions, pregnant women, or young children may require extra attention and should let us or their primary know if
they are sick. As
always, if your symptoms seem severe, you should go to the Emergency Room and be
evaluated, and ask them to call us as appropriate.
For more information go to www.cdc.gov