FLU

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza viruses. Outbreaks of flu usually begin abruptly and sweep through entire communities. A national epidemic is common every year between November and March. The risk for a flu outbreak is greatest where there are large numbers of people gathered, such as in schools, nursing homes, shopping malls, shelters, or at work.

The influenza virus causes more severe symptoms and complications than colds. The elderly, people whose immune systems are impaired, and people with chronic medical problems are at risk for more severe flu symptoms or complications.

The flu is usually spread through the air, unlike the cold virus. Sneezing, coughing, and talking spreads the virus. A person may breathe in the virus through the nose, throat, or airway. A person may pass the flue to someone else from 1 day before to 5 days after symptoms develop. It takes 1 to 4 days for symptoms to start after being infected. Acute symptoms often start improving after several days but fatigue and cough may last 2 weeks or more.

Influenza tends to start suddenly. A person may feel fine one hour and have a high fever the next. The usual first symptoms are:

fever and chills
extreme fatigue
sweating
pain when moving eyes
muscle aches, often severe and
headache

Later symptoms may include:

runny nose
cough and
sore throat

Your healthcare provider can prescribe anti-viral medications that can make flu symptoms less severe and not last as long. They must be started within the first 48 hours of the start of symptoms and typically only need to be taken a few days.

Usually flu symptoms can be managed at home by:

getting plenty of rest
drinking extra fluids, such as water, juice, and non-caffeinated drinks and
taking over-the-counter medicines for the symptoms

Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, bronchitis, and Reye's syndrome in children. See a healthcare provider for symptoms that had improved, but seem to be getting worse again; for a cough related to difficulty breathing or chest pain; if you are over the age of 65 and have other health problems; if you have a chronic respiratory illness no matter your age; for signs of Reye's syndrome or of a bacterial infection; or if your fever is high and prolonged.

The best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu shot every October. Flu shots are about 70 percent effective in preventing influenza. It is especially important for people over 50 years of age, those who have a chronic illness such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes; healthcare workers, pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, residents of long-term care facilities, and those who live with or care for high risk persons.

The flu vaccine should not be given to persons who are allergic to eggs. The material used in the vaccine is grown in eggs. Persons who have an acute illness with a fever should not get the vaccine until they recover. Side effects of the flu vaccine are not common. No one can catch the flu from the vaccine.

Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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