LINKS/EDUCATION
Seasonal
Influenza: The Disease
Influenza (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. Some people,
such as older people, young children, and people with
certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious
flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is
by getting vaccinated each year.
Influenza
Symptoms
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory
illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe
illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different
from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People
who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever*
or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore
throat
- Runny
or stuffy nose
- Muscle
or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
(tiredness)
- Some
people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is
more common in children than adults.
* It's important to note that not everyone with flu
will have a fever.
How
Flu Spreads
Person to Person - People with flu can spread it to others
up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses
are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu
cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the
mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be
inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also
get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus
on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
(To
avoid this, people should wash their hands often with
soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and
dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared
without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can
be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water
and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately.)
The
Flu Is Contagious - Most healthy adults may be able to
infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop
and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may
pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start
1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means
that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else
before you know you are sick, as well as while you are
sick. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus
but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons
may still spread the virus to others.
Content
source: Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention