KEY FACTS ABOUT SEASONAL FLU

What is Influenza (also known as Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to severe complications including death.  The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Each year in the United States approximately:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and
• 36,000 people die from flu.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

Symptoms of flu may include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme fatigue
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more common in children

Who is at risk for contracting the Flu?

Anyone can contract the flu; however, some people such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems) are at a higher risk for serious flu complications.

What are the complications of Flu?

Complications of flu can include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic health conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, and diabetes.

How is Flu spread?

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.  Most healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.  You can infect others before you know you are sick as well as when you are sick.

How can I prevent seasonal Flu?

The single best way to prevent getting the flu, is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Additional measures include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Refrain close contact with others when you are sick (If possible, stay home from work, school, and errand running).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to prevent others from getting sick.
• Wash hands often with soap or water throughout the day especially after using the bathroom and before eatting.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs are often spread when someone touches something that is contaminated with germs than touches their own eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits including getting plenty of sleep, be physical activity, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov