|
About the Flu
Download
PDF version formatted for print
(101 KB/2 pages)
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each
fall. The flu shot cannot give you the flu because it is made from killed
(inactivated) flu viruses. The vaccine is approved for use in anyone
over 6 months of age. Flu shots are 70-90% effective in healthy adults and now
there is an intranasal vaccine for those 5 - 49 year of age.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from
flu complications,
- 36,000 people die from flu.
Some people are at high risk for serious flu
complications, such as older people, young children, and people with certain
health conditions.
Symptoms & Complications of Flu
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.
Some of the complications caused
by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic
medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. |
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.
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.
|
