What is it?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Influenza (flu) is a
contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It invades the respiratory tract
(nose, throat, and lungs) quite suddenly and may include these symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches
Who is susceptible:
Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), but it can be more severe for some. Most
people will recover in one to two weeks, yet children of school age, people who are 65
years and older and people (of any age) who have chronic medical conditions are more
likely to have complications from influenza.
Complications may include: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and/or ear infections etc. The flu has also been known to make a chronic health problem even worse, for example those who suffer from asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu.
Some Statistics:
The CDC states that millions of people (about 10% to 20%) in the United States will get
the flu each year. An average of about 36,000 people per year will die from influenza and
114,000 U.S. residents will be hospitalized as a result of the flu.
How is the flu spread?
The flu is spread when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, speaks and/or has hand to
hand contact with another person. The other person then inhales the virus through their
nose/mouth and from there it begins to multiply, causing flu-like symptoms. It is
important to remember that the flu can also be spread when a person touches a surface
(example: doorknob) and then touches his/hers nose or mouth.
You can spread the flu starting one day before he or she feels sick and can continue to pass the flu virus to others for another three to seven days after symptoms start. Symptoms usually start one to four days after the virus has entered the body. Children have been known to be contagious for more than seven days.
Treatment:
- Lots of rest
- Plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Administering analgesics and antipyretics **Note: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers because of its link to a higher incidence of Reye syndrome.
Prevention:
Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't work to cure it. The best way to
prevent the flu is to get a flu shot (influenza vaccine) each fall, before the flu season
(November-April) and to always wash your hands.
Information from the
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.