Influenza

Most people who get the influenza (flu) recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. In an average year, influenza is associated with about 20,000 deaths nationwide and many more hospitalizations. Flu-related complications can occur at any age; however, the elderly and people with chronic health problems are much more likely to develop serious complications after influenza infection than are younger, healthier people.

What is influenza?
The flu is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness. Typical clinical features of influenza include fever (usually 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit in adults and often even higher in children) and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue. Although nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can sometimes accompany influenza infection, especially in children, gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely prominent. The term “stomach flu” is a misnomer that is sometimes used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses caused by other microorganisms.

Causes
The influenza virus causes the classic flu. Once you have the flu you will begin to develop immunity to its strain. The virus mutates and outbreaks usually occur after signifcant changes in the virus. Minor changes occur every year. The flu is spread from person to person through: coming into contact with germs through sneezes or coughs, contact with objects that have germs from an infected person’s nose or throat, and direct contact such as shaking hands. The flu is contagious before symptoms develop and up to 5 days into having symptoms.

Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu can appear suddenly and include: fever between 100°-104° F and possibly up to 106° F in the first stages, chills, body aches and pains, headache, eye pain, tiredness, generally not feeling well, dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat.

Treatment
In most people symptoms will go away within 7-10 days. It is important to get a lot of rest and drink a lot of fluids. Yearly immunization with the flu shot or FluMist prevents flu infection and its complications in most people. It is recommended that people who are at high risk for developing complications, such as the elderly, get a flu shot. Antibiotics will NOT treat the flu because it is a viral infection. The best way to avoid getting the flu is to wash hands often (it is NOT necessay to use an anti-bacterial soap). You should also avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.