What
is influenza?
Also known as "the flu," influenza is a respiratory
illness with viral origins. According to the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC), " An estimated 10% to 20%
of U.S. residents get the flu each year: an average of 114,000
people are hospitalized for flu-related complications and 36,000
Americans die each year from complications of flu."
Symptoms of influenza: fever (usually high),
headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such
as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among
children than adults.
How does influenza spread?
The flu is spread through the air. People infected with the
virus emit viral particles directly into the air in their respiratory
secretions (coughing, sneezing), which then can come into contact
with other people, or with surfaces, such as hands, tables,
soiled linens or tissues, or door knobs. When other people come
into contact with these particles they are ingested into the
body (directly into the lungs, or through contaminated hands
and then to the mouth/nose), multiply, and then start causing
symptoms of the illness. Touching surfaces that have been contaminated
with the virus is a less likely way to spread the illness, than
coming into direct contact with particles in the air.
People infected with the flu are considered contagious from
one day before symptoms occur to 7 days after symptoms occur.
Children may be contagious for longer than 7 days.
Children between the 6 and 23 months are considered to be one
of the most susceptible age groups, along with people over the
age of 65 years, and those who suffer from chronic illnesses
and / or are immuno-compromised.
The Flu Season
In the Northern hemisphere, winter is the time for flu. In the
United States, the flu season can range from November through
March, and even past March in some years. During the past 21
flu seasons, months with the heaviest flu activity (peak months)
occurred in December in 4 years, January in 5 years, February
in 9 years, and March in 3 years.
Steps to help prevent influenza:
Vaccinations: Flu vaccinations are available every
last autumn, and are the best way to help prevent getting the
flu.
Antiviral medications (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir):
These medications are available by prescription only.
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
Avoid close contact with people who are actively ill or who
are showing questionable symptoms.
Avoid larger crowds in enclosed spaces.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially before
thoroughly washing your hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing.
Be sure to properly dispose of the tissue after using it. Hand
washing is also encouraged.
Influenza Vaccine Facts
-The influenza vaccine is highly recommended for people to receive
yearly, especially those that fall into the high risk categories
spoken of earlier in this article. Yearly vaccinations are recommended
because 1) new strains of the virus develop each year, and 2)
and every year is that after you get vaccinated, your immunity
to the disease declines over time and may be too low to provide
protection after one year.
-It usually takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to cause
your body to develop antibodies against the flu. In the meantime,
you are still at risk for developing the illness.
-
The flu shot is a “killed”
version of the influenza virus, meaning that there
is no risk of developing the flu from the vaccine. This vaccine
can be safely given to anyone over the age of 6 months. EXCEPTION:
THOSE THAT HAVE AN ALLERGY TO EGGS.
-There
is another form of the flu vaccine that is inhaled (Flu
mist). It is made of live Attenuated (weakened)
virus. This should only be given to people between
the age of 5 and 49 years, and who are in good health.
-The
vaccines are both made in a substance containing eggs, therefore
those individuals with an allergy to eggs should not receive
either vaccine.
Testing
for the flu:
There is a test available to confirm that you have the flu.
The test must be administered within two to three days of
becoming ill. A physician may also want to check for a secondary
infection or any complications from the flu at this time.
Complications
of the 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.
Be aware of these warning signs and seek medical attention
promptly:
In children:
-High or prolonged fever
-Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
-Not drinking enough fluids
-Bluish skin color
-Changes in mental status: increased irritability (so much
that the child does not want to be held), not wanting to wake
up easily, or seizures.
-Flu symptoms decrease but then return with fever and worse
cough
- Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions (for
example, heart or lung disease, diabetes)
In adults:
-High or prolonged fever
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Pain or pressure in the chest
-Near fainting or fainting
-Confusion
-Persistent or severe vomiting
What
to do if you get the flu:
-get plenty of rest
-drink plenty of liquids
-avoid using alcohol and tobacco
-take medications to lessen the symptoms of the flu, such
as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin (do not give
aspirin to children or teenagers with flu symptoms unless
specifically directed by a physician, due to possible drug
complications).
-if your condition worsens to the point where you are having
difficulty breathing or have emesis and/or diarrhea that will
not resolve on its own, please seek professional medical assistance.
-If you are at special risk if you should come down with the
flu, i.e. you have a chronic illness, you are over the age
of 65, or you are pregnant, you should contact physician for
further instructions. Children should also be closely monitored
by a doctor to avoid extreme dehydration and high fever.
-The
only treatment for the flu is antiviral medications (amantadine,
rimantadine, and oseltamivir) which must be prescribed by
a physician. This is a five day treatment, and must be started
within the first two days of being ill.
The "Stomach Flu" Myth
The
flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal
disease that involves nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as many
people believe it to be. These symptoms can be caused by many
different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. While vomiting,
diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach"
can sometimes be related to the flu – particularly in
children – these problems are rarely the main symptoms
of influenza.
SOURCE:CDC
(Centers for Disease Control)
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