Health Information

Important information to know and share about the flu

The flu is a serious contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. On average, every year in the United States between 5% and 20% of the population develops the flu leading to 200,000 hospitalizations for related complications. Deaths related to flu complications vary from year to year but range from 3,000 to 49,000 people. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

What are the Symptoms of the Flu?

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Runny, stuffy nose
  • Body aches and chills
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea and vomiting are seen in some H1N1 flu patients

How do I Prevent the Flu?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. This vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common this season. It is recommended for everyone (without a serious history of severe reaction or allergy to the vaccine), but especially for people with chronic health conditions, those over 65 years of age, young children, pregnant women and health care workers. The seasonal flu vaccine also protects you against H1N1.

What can be done to prevent the spread of the flu?

  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap and/or use an alcohol-based gel to help prevent the spread of flu germs.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. If you cannot do this, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm.
  • If you are otherwise healthy with no chronic medical problems, stay home if you are sick. Do not return to work or school until your fever has subsided for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications.
  • If you are severely ill or have chronic medical problems, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed if appropriate for you. These medications can shorten the course and severity of illness. Avoid contact with others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Special Considerations

  • Develop an emergency plan for care should your primary caretakers, PCA’s, or family members become ill. Have a back up list of PCA’s available so that people who are sick can stay home. Isolating those who become sick is essential to avoid the spread of illness.

Talk to your health care provider about the flu shot.

More information is available at: www.flu.gov or 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)