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Flu Fact Sheet
updated 08/27/2009
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A:
It is an illness caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, trachea, and lungs).
A:
The virus spreads from person-to-person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, you can breathe in the virus. Also, the virus can live outside the body for hours in cold and low humidity. So, if the infected person covers his mouth with his hand while coughing or sneezing and then touches a doorknob, the next person to touch the doorknob can pick up the virus on their hands. Then, when that person touches their hand to face (eye, mouth or nose) they can catch the virus.
A:
1 to 3 days
A:
|
fever
(101° - 104° F) |
dry
cough |
sore
throat |
|
chills |
runny
or stuffy nose |
headache |
|
muscle
aches |
extreme
fatigue (weakness) |
|
A: In the United
States, flu “season”
begins in mid-October,
but is mostly seen in
the winter months. We
are now seeing the Novel
H1N1 virus year round.
A: It is spread
quickly and easily in
crowded rooms, buses and
planes. It can lead to
life-threatening illness
for those persons who
are over 65 years old or
who have chronic
illnesses such as heart
disease, metabolic
disease (for example,
diabetes), kidney
disease, or lung
disease. The Novel H1N1
virus has had a higher
infection rate among
young people primarily
those aged 4 to 25.
A:
No. The influenza vaccine used in the United States is made from killed or inactivated viruses. Some people who have received flu vaccine may later develop a “cold” or other respiratory illness from another virus and mistake it
for the flu. The vaccine can't give you the flu.
-
Q: When will flu shots be available?
A: The seasonal
flu vaccine will be
available in September.
It is anticipated that a
vaccine for Novel H1N1
will be available in a
two shot series in mid
October.
-
Q: Who should get the first flu shots?
A: The Seasonal
Flu vaccine is a good
idea for everyone
especially those at
risk.
People at risk:
-
Anyone over age 65
-
Anyone with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, metabolic disease (for example, diabetes), kidney disease, or lung disease, including asthma.
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Weakened immune systems (bone marrow or organ transplants, cancer treatments, severe anemia, Lupus, HIV/AIDS)
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Long-term steroid treatments
-
Women who will be in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy during flu season
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Residents in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities with persons of any age that have chronic medical conditions
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Hospital patients
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Children and teenagers who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Also, it is important to protect healthcare workers from getting the flu, to prevent them from spreading the illness to other patients and so that they will be able to care for those who do become ill with influenza. Emergency personnel also need to be vaccinated so that they can stay on the job where they are needed.
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What can I do to protect myself and stop the spread of influenza?
Wash your hands with soap and water, and wash them often.
Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing -- then wash your hands before touching objects.
Don't set used facial tissues on tables or counters. Immediately throw them into a waste can.
Stay out of crowds when people are coughing and sneezing during flu season.
-
Stay home when you are
sick.
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Should I get a pneumonia shot?
Ask your doctor if you are also at risk for pneumonia. It won't prevent the flu, but it will help to decrease your chances of getting pneumonia at the same time as the flu if you are one of the "people at risk"..
Flu is a highly contagious virus that
spreads easily from person to person and
can cause serious illness or death. Flu
spreads by respiratory droplets of cough
and sneezes.
Selfcare for you &
your Family brochure
Keep these items at home in advance of
an outbreak of flu in case you have to
stay at home while you or a loved one
are ill.
Get the Flu Shot
...Not the Flu brochure
El Cuidado Para Usted Y Su Familia S Por
El Flu
(Spanish brochure) - My Flu Ready Shopping List -
Self Care for you and your family.
Selfcare for you &
your Family brochure - spanish
Reciba La Vacuna Contra El Flu Y No
Reciba El FLU - Get the Flu Shot ...Not
the Flu brochure (Spanish brochure)
Keep these items at home in advance of
an outbreak of flu in case you have to
stay at home while you or a loved one
are ill.
Get the Flu Shot
...Not the Flu brochure
Area County Health Departments
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