The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
What are the signs and symptoms of the Flu?
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Muscle and body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- May have vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
How is the flu spread?
- The flu is spread mainly from person to person by coughing, sneezing or talking to someone who has the flu.
- It can be spread by touching something that has the flu virus such as a doorknob or telephone and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
Who is at a greater risk for catching the flu?
- People who reside in long-term care facilities.
- Healthcare workers.
- Persons who have asthma, cerebral palsy, COPD, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, HIV-AIDS, kidney and liver disease, diabetes and obesity.
When is someone with the flu contagious?
- The flu can be passed onto someone else before the person with the flu even knows they are sick.
- Someone with the flu can infect someone with the virus beginning one day before they develop symptoms.
- The flu can be spread 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
How can you prevent getting the flu?
- The single best way to preventing seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your cough.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Who should get the flu shot?
- Everyone over the age of 6 months, with the exception of those who have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past or if you have had a fever that day.
- Pregnant women can receive the flu vaccination. (consult your obstetrician)
3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO FLU PREVENTION
- Get Vaccinated!
- Frequent hand washing!
- Cover your cough or sneeze!
Reference: www.cdc.gov