Influenza, commonly called “the flu”, is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, airways, and lungs) caused by the influenza virus. Two types of influenza virus, A and B, cause the flu. Although flu is similar in some ways to the common cold, it begins suddenly and symptoms are much more severe than those of a cold.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The incubation period from time of exposure to the onset of symptoms ranges from 1-4 days. Symptoms usually begin suddenly with high temperature (100 degrees or more), muscle aches, headache, dry cough, and weakness. Sore throat and stuffy nose also may occur. Severe symptoms including fever often last for 3 to 5 days and symptoms such as cough, weakness, and fatigue may persist for several weeks.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are uncommon in adults with the flu. The term “stomach flu” is incorrectly used referring to these symptoms, since this is not influenza.

How is flu spread?

The influenza virus is very contagious and easily spread from infected persons to others around them. Most commonly when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets of moisture containing the virus are released into the air to infect others. A person with the flu continues to be infectious for 3 to 4 days after symptoms begin. People with the flu should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to reduce the number of infectious droplets they release into the air.

How is influenza diagnosed?

Quick, accurate, and inexpensive laboratory tests to diagnose the flu are not readily available. Although symptoms similar to influenza can be caused by other infections, most people with the sudden onset of fever, muscle aches, headache, and dry cough during a community outbreak of influenza do, in fact, have the flu.

Can I avoid getting the flu? Where can I get vaccinated?

The most effective way of preventing the flu is getting the influenza vaccine each year. Vaccination prevents 70-90% of infections in healthy young adults. It takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination to develop immunity, so it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season begins. Vaccination is strongly recommended for everyone at increased risk of influenza complications including those with underlying heart or lung problems including asthma, other chronic medical conditions that may interfere with immunity including diabetes, and those over age 65.

Other practices which strengthen your immune system also reduce your risk of catching the flu. It is important to get enough rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat nutritious meals, exercise moderately, and avoid immune system depressants such as tobacco and alcohol. Washing your hands frequently may also reduce your exposure to the virus.

How is the flu treated?

Rest is very important. Stay home, both to rest and to avoid exposing others, and drink lots of liquids (water, sports drinks, broth, tea, etc.) to strengthen your immune system and avoid dehydration.

Medications such as acetominophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may help to reduce fever, muscle aches, and headache. Cough medicine, salt water gargles (1/4 tsp salt per cup of water) for sore throat, and nasal decongestants are helpful for symptomatic relief.

Antibiotics have no effect on the flu. Influenza is a viral infection and antibiotics work only against bacterial infections.

Prescription antiviral medications such as amantadine, rimantadine, and a new class of drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors can decrease the duration of severe flu symtoms by about 1 day if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

What are the complications of the flu?

Just about everyone who catches the flu feels really lousy and sick for several days, but just about everyone also recovers fully with rest and symptomatic treatment. A small percentage of people with the flu develop complications which may be serious. These include pneumonia, secondary bacterial sinus and ear infections, and worsening of underlying medical problems such as asthma and diabetes.

Should I see a doctor if I have the flu?

If you are sure that you have the flu it is reasonable to rest at home and take symptomatic medication as needed. If you are unsure or have questions, call a medical professional.

If you have an underlying medical problem such as asthma or diabetes which affects your ability to fight off or recover from infection you should make an appointment to be seen by a medical professional.

Call Your Doctor or Health Center if you have the flu and:

•  a fever over 100 degrees for more than 5 days
•  a cough which brings up discolored or bloody mucus
•  chest pain or shortness of breath
• severe facial pain or earache
• symptoms that don’t get better over 7 days or get worse again after getting better

Where can I learn more about influenza?

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r2k0107.htm

 

Source: http://www.healthcenter.vt.edu/flufaq.htm

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We are committed to providing New Jersey residents the most recent and up to the minute information on current flu conditions. When it comes to protecting your loved ones, we hope this site will be an invaluable resource in your arsenal of preservation.

We are not purveyors of paranoia, but information. Just as you, we hope issues such as the H1N1 virus are nothing but a passing event, however, we also believe keeping yourself informed is the ulimate tool in your arsenal of self preservation.

The flu has and always been around, but, unlike any other time in history, we are facing a potential pandemic – but this time, we have the tools to keep each other informed and protected.

Good luck and God Bless.