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What is the flu?
Influenza, commonly called "the flu", is an infection of the
respiratory tract (nose, throat, airways, and lungs) caused by the influenza
virus. Two types of influenza virus, A and B, cause the flu. Although flu
is similar in some ways to the common cold, it begins suddenly and symptoms
are much more severe than those of a cold.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
The incubation period from time of exposure to the onset of symptoms
ranges from 1-4 days. Symptoms usually begin suddenly with high temperature
(100 degrees or more), muscle aches, headache, dry cough, and weakness.
Sore throat and stuffy nose also may occur. Severe symptoms including fever
often last for 3 to 5 days and symptoms such as cough, weakness, and fatigue
may persist for several weeks.
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are uncommon in adults with the flu. The
term "stomach flu" is incorrectly used referring to these symptoms,
since this is not influenza.
How is flu spread?
The influenza virus is very contagious and easily spread from infected
persons to others around them. Most commonly when a person with the flu
coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets of moisture containing the virus are released
into the air to infect others. A person with the flu continues to be infectious
for 3 to 4 days after symptoms begin. People with the flu should cover their
mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to reduce the number
of infectious droplets they release into the air.
How is influenza diagnosed?
Quick, accurate, and inexpensive laboratory tests to diagnose the flu
are not readily available. Although symptoms similar to influenza can be
caused by other infections, most people with the sudden onset of fever,
muscle aches, headache, and dry cough during a community outbreak of influenza
do, in fact, have the flu.
Can I avoid getting the flu? Where can I get
vaccinated?
The most effective way of preventing the flu is getting the influenza vaccine
each year. Vaccination prevents 70-90% of infections in healthy young adults. It
takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination to develop immunity, so it's best to get
vaccinated before flu season begins. Vaccination is strongly recommended for
everyone at increased risk of influenza complications including those with
underlying heart or lung problems including asthma, other chronic medical
conditions that may interfere with immunity including diabetes, and those over
age 65.
Other practices which strengthen your immune system also reduce your
risk of catching the flu. It is important to get enough rest, drink plenty
of liquids, eat nutritious meals, exercise moderately, and avoid immune
system depressants such as tobacco and alcohol. Washing your hands frequently
may also reduce your exposure to the virus.
How is the flu treated?
Rest is very important. Stay home, both to rest and to avoid exposing
others, and drink lots of liquids (water, sports drinks, broth, tea, etc.)
to strengthen your immune system and avoid dehydration.
Medications such as acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may
help to reduce fever, muscle aches, and headache. Cough medicine, salt water
gargles (1/4 tsp salt per cup of water) for sore throat, and nasal decongestants
are helpful for symptomatic relief.
Antibiotics have no effect on the flu. Influenza is a viral infection
and antibiotics work only against bacterial infections.
Prescription antiviral medications such as amantadine, rimantadine, and
a new class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors can decrease the duration
of severe flu symtoms by about 1 day if started within 48 hours of symptom
onset.
What are the complications of the flu?
Just about everyone who catches the flu feels really lousy and sick for
several days, but just about everyone also recovers fully with rest and
symptomatic treatment. A small percentage of people with the flu develop
complications which may be serious. These include pneumonia, secondary bacterial
sinus and ear infections, and worsening of underlying medical problems such
as asthma and diabetes.
Should I see a doctor if I have the flu?
If you are sure that you have the flu it is reasonable to rest at home
and take symptomatic medication as needed. If you are unsure or have questions,
call the Schiffert Health Center at 231-6444.
If you have an underlying medical problem such as asthma or diabetes
which affects your ability to fight off or recover from infection you should
make an appointment to be seen at the Health Center.
Call the Health Center if you have the flu and:
- a fever over 100 degrees for more than 5 days
- a cough which brings up discolored or bloody mucus
- chest pain or shortness of breath
- severe facial pain or earache
- symptoms that don't get better over 7 days or get worse again after
getting better
Where can I learn more about influenza?
Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r2k0107.htm
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