The Flu and You

(Click topics below)The Flu and You

The Flu and YouInfluenza — it's no one’s favorite word. If the mere thought of it gives you chills, then you've

What is the Flu?likely enduredit. If you've never had the flu, you probably will one day. The Centers for

Understanding Flu TermsDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from flu

What you can doduring every annual flu season.

Pandemic FluHealth professionals recommend a flu shot annually, especially for people in at risk groups. Flu vaccines change every year because the flu virus mutates; this year's strain will be different.

Seasonal flu is common but not usually serious. Most flu patients convalesce at home and feel better within a week, although a cough and a feeling of lethargy may linger a few more days.

But seasonal flu is nothing to sniff at — pun intended. The CDC estimates more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized by the flu every year and 36,000 people in the US die from the flu and its complications annually.

Add to those facts the prospect of pandemic flu — a large–scale outbreak of flu that could devastate millions worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests there is a global risk of pandemic flu within the next few years. The threat is linked to the high mutability of influenza viruses; a strain such as avian flu could mutate into a type that could be spread from person to person. If that happens, a flu pandemic could have international consequences.

What does this all come down to? What should you do? Learn as much as you can about influenza. Don't panic. Come to this site often to find out more about the flu.

Now, go and wash your hands!

What is the flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that spread from persontoperson. The period between becoming infected with the virus and becoming ill is usually 1 to 4 days.

Symptoms of the flu:

Fever (up to 104 degrees) and sweating/chills
Headache, muscle aches and/or stiffness
Shortness of breath, cough

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses spread by coughing and sneezing respiratory droplets into the air. Flu usually spreads from close persontoperson contact, though touching something with flu virus on it and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose sometimes infects people. The virus can live for as long as two hours on surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and furniture.

Because symptoms do not develop as soon as one is infected, a person can pass on the flu to someone else before feeling ill or showing any symptoms.

Understanding flu terms

Seasonal (or common) influenza

Every year, between October and May, 5 to 20 percent of the US population becomes ill with the flu. Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that is easily transmitted from person to person. Most cases are not severe, but the flu can cause serious illness and even death in the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Most people have some immunity, but health care providers recommend annual flu shots, especially for the aforementioned populations.

Avian (or bird) flu

Avian flu is a virulent viral disease that occurs naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl, and it can be transmitted from birds to humans. It has caused a small number of cases of flu and even some deaths in people who have been in direct contact with infected birds. No cases of sustained humantohuman transmission have been established; however, scientists are concerned that the avian flu virus may mutate and become transmissible between humans. As of now, the avian flu virus has not been found in the United States. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Pandemic flu

In 1918, 1957, and 1968 the flu season in the US was especially severe, resulting in a much higher number of illnesses and deaths. Pandemic flu is a virulent human flu that triggers a global outbreak, or pandemic of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu, but public health experts believe that a flu pandemic is likely to occur again in the future. Scientists worry that a mutant form of avian flu, under certain circumstances, could eventually cause a flu pandemic.

What you can do

While there is no guarantee you can avoid seasonal influenza, there are some common sense actions you can take to reduce your chances of becoming infected.

Hand washing is effective in preventing the flu as well as other infectious diseases. According to the U.SCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ), rubbing your hands together with soap and water is one of the most important ways to prevent infection. Disease causing germs can enter your body when your unwashed hands touch your nose, eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Make hand washing a habit.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased antibacterial hand sanitizer. Read the directions and use the hand rub accordingly. Never wipe the hand rub off; allow your hands to air dry. When used properly, sanitizers reduce the transmission of disease causing germs.

Get a flu shot

A flu vaccination reduces your chances of getting seasonal flu.

Have a personal and family plan for pandemic flu

Should there be a pandemic flu outbreak, you and your family will want to be wellprepared. While no one wants to think about such a disaster, having a good plan could ease many of the inconveniences a pandemic could cause.

Start by reviewing the Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families.

Pandemic flu

Google “pandemic flu” and you’ll get nearly 3.5 million links to information on the web.

One of the most comprehensive sites is PandemicFlu.gov. This site is managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services and has a remarkable amount of wellwritten, wellorganized information. The site covers global research and activities as well as how states and communities are planning for pandemic flu.