The Flu 101

What is the flu?

Influenza, more commonly know as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu is different from a cold, and it usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms generally start 1 to 4 days after exposure, meaning that a person with the flu may pass on the virus before they know they are sick, as well as while they have symptoms. Some people may be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms, but they can still infect others during this time.

People who have the flu often have some, or all, of the following symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It can range from mild to severe illness, and sometimes lead to death.

Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people who get the flu may develop serious complications that can results in hospitalization, life threatening illness, or even death. Some complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. In addition to these complications, the flu can make chronic conditions worse.

Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, but there are some people who are at a greater risk. Those who are at the highest risk of contracting the flu, and suffering serious complications are; young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, and older adults, namely those over 65.

How does the flu spread?

The flu is spread person to person, and most experts think that is spread by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people up to six feet away. Less commonly, someone might get the flu from touching a surface that is contaminated with the flu virus and then touching their own mouth or nose.

To avoid getting the flu it is important to take some simple precautions.

• Hand-washing and other techniques: to avoid the flu, stay away from people who are sick and stay home from work or school if you are sick. It is important to wash your hands often with warm, soapy water, and if water is not available then use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to sick people should be washed thoroughly before sharing. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school, especially if someone is ill.

• Vaccination: an annual seasonal flu vaccination, either an injection or nasal spray, is the best way to reduce the chances of getting the seasonal flu and spreading it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread throughout the community. Flu vaccines cause antibodies to form in the body about two weeks after vaccination. For this reason it is recommended that people get their flu vaccination as early as it is available, or ideally by the beginning of October. A flu vaccine is needed annually for two reasons. The first is the body's immune response declines over time, so an annual vaccine is required for optimal protection. The second is the flu virus changes over time, so the vaccines are updated to protect against the changing flu viruses. Because of these changes, it is still possible to get the flu after getting a flu vaccine, but the severity and chance of complications are reduced.

Who should get vaccinated?

It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months who is able to get a flu vaccine should.  It is important for those at high risk to get the flu vaccine. If you have any questions about whether you or your family should get vaccinated, talk to your doctor.

Flu vaccines are available from many sources in the community. Doctor's offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, schools, college campuses, and the local health department are just some of the places where vaccines are available. Go HERE to locate areas in your neighborhood.

DON'T FORGET, GETTING YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT CAN EARN YOU .5 HOURS OF VACATION AND HELP PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM GETTING THE FLU THIS WINTER!