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HEALTH TOPIC OF THE MONTH |
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FLU SEASON About The Flu Influenza
(commonly called “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by
influenza viruses. Infection with influenza viruses can result in severe
illness and life-threatening complications. Symptoms of the 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. Spread of Flu The main way
that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory
droplets of coughs and sneezes. (This is called "droplet spread.") This can
happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are
propelled (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited on the
mouth or nose of people nearby. Though much less frequent, the viruses also
can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person
or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s
mouth or nose) before washing their hands. A person who is sick with the flu
can spread viruses – that means they are contagious. Adults may be
contagious from 1 day before
developing symptoms to up to 7 days
after getting sick.
Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days. Preventing Flu
Vaccination:
The single best way to prevent the
flu is to get vaccinated each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however,
there are other ways to protect against flu. Other Habits for Good Health The
following steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like
flu:
* Avoid close contact with people
who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect
them from getting sick too.
* If possible, 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 with a
tissue when coughing or
sneezing.
* Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
* Germs are often spread when a
person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches
his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. At Special Risk of Complications from
Flu Certain
people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. This
group includes people age 65 years and older and people of any age with
chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and children between 6 months and
23 months of age also are at increased risk from flu complications. Complications from Flu 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. Treating the Flu
Antiviral Medications:
Four antiviral drugs (amantadine,
rimantadine, zanamavir and oseltamivir) have been approved for treatment of
the flu. All of these must be prescribed by a doctor. Antiviral treatment
lasts for 5 days and must be started within the first 2 days of illness. What to Do If You Get Sick This Flu
Season If you
develop the flu, it is advisable to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of
liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications
to relieve the symptoms of flu (but
never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like
symptoms – and particularly fever – without first speaking to your doctor.) |