Facts about Influenza (Flu)

 

 

 What is the Flu?

The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 

Flu Shots cause Influenza is a Myth

Some people say, “I got the flu shot, but I still got the flu, so I will never get another one.”  So, why do some people still get the flu after having received the flu shot?  Good question!  There can be several reasons why this may occur.  Let us explore the reasons.         

~Some folks end up becoming ill and experiencing respiratory symptoms that mimic the flu.  Keep in mind that the flu vaccine only protects against the flu, not other viruses.

~Research develops the most common flu vaccine, but there are many flu types, so a person could end up with a flu strain that is different from the vaccination that they received.

~Flu vaccines can differ in how well they work, and some people may still get sick with the flu.

~After the flu shot is administered, it will take two weeks to build up an immunity, so if a person has been exposed to flu viruses before immunity kicks in, they could become infected with the flu.

 

Flu Symptoms can range from one to all the symptoms listed below:

Fever

~Feverish/chills

~Cough

~Sore throat

~Runny or stuffy nose

~Muscle or body aches

~Headaches

~Fatigue (tiredness)

~Vomiting and diarrhea

 

* Not everyone with flu will have a fever, and some may be infected with the flu and not have signs or symptoms.

How Flu Spreads

The flu viruses spread by tiny droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze, and can land in the mouth or nose of people closeby.  The flu may be transmitted by a person touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.  The flu virus can live up to 48 hours on surfaces.  Clean with diluted bleach or hydrogen peroxide at home to kill the influenza virus.

 

Period of Contagiousness

People may be able to spread flu to someone else before they know they are sick, as well as while they are sick.

~After the flu begins, the most contagious period is in the first 3-4 days.

~A healthy person with the flu may be able to transmit the flu to others one day before their symptoms start and up to five to seven days afterward.

~Young children, as well as people with weakened immune systems, may be able to infect others for a longer time.

 

Onset of Symptoms

From the time a person is exposed and infected with the flu to when symptoms start is about two days but can range from one to four days.

 

Complications of Flu

Complications of the flu may include bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections. ear infections, and worsening medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.  Some people may have sinus infections, ear infections, and contract the flu afterward.

 

High Risk from Flu:

~People 65 years and >

~People with medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or anyone with a compromised immune system such as HIV or rheumatoid arthritis.

~Pregnant women

~Children < five years old

 

Preventing Seasonal Flu

The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The flu vaccine reduces flu-related illnesses and the risk of severe flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions:

 

~Staying away from people who are sick

~Cover cough and sneezes with a tissue or into the inner elbow.  Throw dirty tissues in the trash can and wash hands with soap and water or use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.  Wash hands with soap and water as soon as available. 

~Hand sanitizer does not take the place of the most effective way to stop the spread of germs, which is by washing hands with soap and water, frequently!

 

Diagnosing Flu

It is tough to distinguish flu from other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses based on symptoms alone.  Suspect the flu, do not delay, get a hold of a healthcare provider right away because they have tests to diagnose the flu.

 

Treating Flu

There are influenza antiviral drugs to treat the flu, but generally, should be diagnosed within 48 hours to be effective.

 

For more information on Flu Facts, visit the websites listed below.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm

 

 

 

Source Content:  CDC.gov, September 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Updated:  2/8/2020