Key Facts About Flu: GUWellness: Mind, Body, Soul

This year’s flu season is off to an earlier than usual start. It also appears to be more severe than in the past. Protect yourself and your family from infection by learning more about flu and following these safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is flu?
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It can become severe or cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal signs, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, are more common among children.

Flu spreads when a sick person coughs, sneezes or speaks—sending the virus into the air. Then, other people may inhale it through their nose, throat or lungs. Once breathed in, germs multiply and cause symptoms. Touching a surface with the virus and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes also can spread flu.

When can a person pass flu along?
Adults may be contagious from one day before developing symptoms to up to seven days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for more than seven days.

Are there ways to prevent it?
The single best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated each fall, if possible. But, there also are antiviral drugs that can stop the virus. These medications are available by prescription, so talk with your doctor.

What else can you do?
It’s important to be vigilant when protecting yourself from flu. Follow these steps to prevent the spread of infection:

* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Stay home if you’re sick.
* Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
* Wash your hands often.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

What if you get sick?
If you’re ill, be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco. You also can take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms. Never give aspirin to anyone younger than age 19. It’s linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

Call your doctor immediately if your symptoms are unusually severe, or if you’re having trouble breathing.

Some people have a higher risk for complications of flu. This includes people ages 65 and older, people with a chronic medical condition, pregnant women and children. If you or a family member falls into one of these categories, talk with your doctor when symptoms start.

Source: Adapted from the CDC