Key Facts About the Flu

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
Infection with influenza viruses can result in severe illness and
life-threatening complications. An estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of
U.S. residents get the flu each year. An average of 114,000 people are
hospitalized for flu-related complications, and an average of 36,000
Americans die each year from complications of flu.

Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Gastro-intestinal symptoms,
such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children
than adults.

Spread of Flu

Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes,
or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus.
When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin
to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. The viruses can also be spread
when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door
handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses - that means they are
contagious. Adults may be contagious from one day before developing symptoms
to up to seven days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for
longer than seven days.

Preventing Flu

Vaccination: The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated
each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however, there are other ways to
protect against flu.

Antiviral Medications: Three antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and
oseltamivir) are approved and commercially available for use in preventing
flu. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor should be
consulted before the drugs are used for preventing the flu.

Other Habits for Good Health

The following steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses
like flu:
 

• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your
  distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and
  errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
  coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs are often spread when a person
  touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes,
  nose, or mouth.
  
  Diagnosing the Flu
  
  Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you
  are tested within the first 2 or 3 days after your symptoms begin. In
  addition, a doctor's examination may be needed to determine whether a person
  has another infection that is a complication of the flu.
  
  At Special Risk of Complications From Flu
  
  Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu.
  This group includes people age 65 years and older and people of any age with
  chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and children between 6 months and
  23 months of age also are at increased risk from flu complications.
  
  Complications From 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.
  
  Treating the Flu
  
  Antiviral Medications: Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine,
  zanamavir and oseltamivir) have been approved for treatment of the flu. All
  of these must be prescribed by a doctor. Antiviral treatment lasts for 5
  days and must be started within the first 2 days of illness.
  
  What to Do If You Get Sick This Flu Season
  
  If you develop the flu, it is advisable to get plenty of rest, drink a lot
  of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take
  medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to
  children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever -
  without first speaking to your doctor.)
  
  If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if you are
  having trouble breathing), you should consult your health-care provider
  right away.
  
  If you are at special risk from complications of flu, you should consult
  your health-care provider when your flu symptoms begin. This includes people
  65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women,
  or children . Your doctor may choose to use certain antiviral drugs to treat
  the flu.
  
  For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu  or
  call the National Immunization Hotline at (800) 232-2522 (English),
  (800) 232-0233 (español), or (800) 243-7889 (TTY).
  
  Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)