 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
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. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination. Every year in the United States , on average:
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. What are the symptoms of the flu? The flu usually starts suddenly and may include these symptoms:
Are some people at higher risk for complications than others from getting the flu? People at high risk for serious flu complications include older people, young children and people with certain health conditions. What are the complications associated with 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. The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may be infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. When and for how long is a person able to spread the flu? Adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before getting symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as when you are sick. Who should get the flu vaccine? All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others should get the flu vaccine. In other words, when there is an adequate supply, everyone should get the flu vaccine. Those people at greatest risk for complications of the flu and those most likely to get or spread the flu should be vaccinated with the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. These include:
There are some people who should not be vaccinated. They include:
What is the difference between a cold and the flu? The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can be carried out, when needed, to tell if a person has the flu. What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold? In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. What can I do to protect myself against the flu? The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against influenza-like illnesses caused by other viruses. Can antiviral medications prevent the flu? Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir) are approved for treatment and prevention of the flu. These drugs are not, however, a substitute for influenza vaccination. All of these drugs are prescription drugs and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used for treating or preventing the flu. Where can I get more information about the flu? Click here for more information. Source: New York State Department of Health
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
|
|
|
