Key Facts About Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
What
is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination
each year.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5%
to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized
from flu complications, and;
- about 36,000 people die from flu.
Some
people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions,
are at high risk for serious flu complications.
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Symptoms
of Flu
Symptoms of flu include:
- fever (usually
high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore
throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms,
such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in
children than adults
Complications of Flu
Complications of
flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration,
and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure,
asthma, or diabetes.
How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly
from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes
people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then
touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others
beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after
becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone
else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Get
More Info Here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm#flu
