What You Need to Know About Flu
The flu (influenza) is an infection that affects your respiratory tract. This tract is made up of your mouth, nose, and lungs, and the passages between them. Unlike a cold, the flu can make you very ill. And it can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung disease. The flu can have serious effects and even cause death.
Who is at risk for the flu?
Anyone can get the flu. But you are more likely to get the flu if you:
- Have a weak immune system.
- Work in a healthcare setting where you may be exposed to flu germs.
- Live or work with someone who has the flu.
- Have not had an annual flu shot.
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How does the flu spread?
The flu is caused by a virus. The virus spreads through the air in droplets when someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. You can get the flu when you inhale these viruses directly. You can also get the flu when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching used tissues, or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush from a person with a flu can expose you to flu viruses, too.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and may last a few days to a few weeks. They include:
- Fever usually higher than 100.4°F (38°C) and chills
- Sore throat and headache.
- Dry cough.
- Runny nose.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Muscle aches.
Who is at risk for flu complications?
For some people, the flu can be very serious. The risk is greater for the group of people below:
- Children younger than age 5
- Adults ages 65 and older
- People with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart, kidney, or lung disease
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care setting
How is the flu treated?
The flu usually gets better after 7 days or so. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. This may help you get well a little sooner. For the medicine to help, you need to take it as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) after your symptoms start. If you have pneumonia or other serious illness, you may need to stay in the hospital.
Easing flu symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids such as water, juice, and warm soup. A good rule is to drink enough so that you urinate your normal amount.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Ask your doctor what to take for fever and pain.
- Call your doctor if your fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or you become dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.
Taking steps to protect others
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or chills. Be sure the fever isn’t being hidden by your medicine.
- Don’t share food, utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with others.
- Ask your doctor if others in your household should get antiviral medicine to help them prevent the flu.
How can the flu be prevented?
- One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The CDC recommends that all people 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. The virus that causes the flu changes from year to year. For that reason, doctors advise getting the flu vaccine each year as soon as it's available in your area. The vaccine is usually given as a shot, which is usually the first choice of experts. Other forms like a nasal spray or needle-free vaccine are available for some people. Your doctor can tell you which vaccine is right for you.
- Wash your hands often. Frequent handwashing is a proven way to help prevent sickness
- Carry an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Use it when you can't use soap and water. Then wash your hands as soon as you can.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- At home and work, clean phones, computer keyboards, and toys often with disinfectant wipes.
- If possible, don't have close contact with others who have the flu or symptoms of the flu.
Tips on washing your hands
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent many common sickness. If you are caring for or visiting someone with the flu, wash your hands each time you enter and leave the room. Follow these steps:
- Use warm water and plenty of soap. Rub your hands together well.
- Clean the whole hand, including under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Wash for at least 15 seconds.
- Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
- Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
Using alcohol-based hand cleaners
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also a good choice to help you prevent flu. Use them when you can not use soap and water. Follow these steps:
- Squeeze about a tablespoon of gel into the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together quickly, clean the backs of your hands, the palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Rub until the gel is gone and your hands are dry.
Prevent the flu in healthcare settings
The flu is a special concern for people in hospitals and long-term care settings. To help prevent the spread of flu, many hospitals and nursing homes take these steps:
- Healthcare workers must wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner before and after treating each patient.
- People with the flu have private rooms and bathrooms or share a room with someone with the same illness.
- People who are at high risk for the flu but don't have it are encouraged to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- All healthcare workers are encouraged or required to get flu shots.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
What You Need to Know About Flu
The flu (influenza) is an infection that affects your respiratory tract. This tract is made up of your mouth, nose, and lungs, and the passages between them. Unlike a cold, the flu can make you very ill. And it can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung disease. The flu can have serious effects and even cause death.
Who is at risk for the flu?
Anyone can get the flu. But you are more likely to get the flu if you:
- Have a weak immune system.
- Work in a healthcare setting where you may be exposed to flu germs.
- Live or work with someone who has the flu.
- Have not had an annual flu shot.
|
|
How does the flu spread?
The flu is caused by a virus. The virus spreads through the air in droplets when someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. You can get the flu when you inhale these viruses directly. You can also get the flu when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching used tissues, or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush from a person with a flu can expose you to flu viruses, too.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and may last a few days to a few weeks. They include:
- Fever usually higher than 100.4°F (38°C) and chills
- Sore throat and headache.
- Dry cough.
- Runny nose.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Muscle aches.
Who is at risk for flu complications?
For some people, the flu can be very serious. The risk is greater for the group of people below:
- Children younger than age 5
- Adults ages 65 and older
- People with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart, kidney, or lung disease
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care setting
How is the flu treated?
The flu usually gets better after 7 days or so. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. This may help you get well a little sooner. For the medicine to help, you need to take it as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) after your symptoms start. If you have pneumonia or other serious illness, you may need to stay in the hospital.
Easing flu symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids such as water, juice, and warm soup. A good rule is to drink enough so that you urinate your normal amount.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Ask your doctor what to take for fever and pain.
- Call your doctor if your fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or you become dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.
Taking steps to protect others
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or chills. Be sure the fever isn’t being hidden by your medicine.
- Don’t share food, utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with others.
- Ask your doctor if others in your household should get antiviral medicine to help them prevent the flu.
How can the flu be prevented?
- One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The CDC recommends that all people 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. The virus that causes the flu changes from year to year. For that reason, doctors advise getting the flu vaccine each year as soon as it's available in your area. The vaccine is usually given as a shot, which is usually the first choice of experts. Other forms like a nasal spray or needle-free vaccine are available for some people. Your doctor can tell you which vaccine is right for you.
- Wash your hands often. Frequent handwashing is a proven way to help prevent sickness
- Carry an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Use it when you can't use soap and water. Then wash your hands as soon as you can.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- At home and work, clean phones, computer keyboards, and toys often with disinfectant wipes.
- If possible, don't have close contact with others who have the flu or symptoms of the flu.
Tips on washing your hands
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent many common sickness. If you are caring for or visiting someone with the flu, wash your hands each time you enter and leave the room. Follow these steps:
- Use warm water and plenty of soap. Rub your hands together well.
- Clean the whole hand, including under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Wash for at least 15 seconds.
- Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
- Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
Using alcohol-based hand cleaners
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also a good choice to help you prevent flu. Use them when you can not use soap and water. Follow these steps:
- Squeeze about a tablespoon of gel into the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together quickly, clean the backs of your hands, the palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Rub until the gel is gone and your hands are dry.
Prevent the flu in healthcare settings
The flu is a special concern for people in hospitals and long-term care settings. To help prevent the spread of flu, many hospitals and nursing homes take these steps:
- Healthcare workers must wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner before and after treating each patient.
- People with the flu have private rooms and bathrooms or share a room with someone with the same illness.
- People who are at high risk for the flu but don't have it are encouraged to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- All healthcare workers are encouraged or required to get flu shots.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
What You Need to Know About Flu
The flu (influenza) is an infection that affects your respiratory tract. This tract is made up of your mouth, nose, and lungs, and the passages between them. Unlike a cold, the flu can make you very ill. And it can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung disease. The flu can have serious effects and even cause death.
Who is at risk for the flu?
Anyone can get the flu. But you are more likely to get the flu if you:
- Have a weak immune system.
- Work in a healthcare setting where you may be exposed to flu germs.
- Live or work with someone who has the flu.
- Have not had an annual flu shot.
|
|
How does the flu spread?
The flu is caused by a virus. The virus spreads through the air in droplets when someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks. You can get the flu when you inhale these viruses directly. You can also get the flu when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the germs to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching used tissues, or sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush from a person with a flu can expose you to flu viruses, too.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and may last a few days to a few weeks. They include:
- Fever usually higher than 100.4°F (38°C) and chills
- Sore throat and headache.
- Dry cough.
- Runny nose.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Muscle aches.
Who is at risk for flu complications?
For some people, the flu can be very serious. The risk is greater for the group of people below:
- Children younger than age 5
- Adults ages 65 and older
- People with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart, kidney, or lung disease
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care setting
How is the flu treated?
The flu usually gets better after 7 days or so. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. This may help you get well a little sooner. For the medicine to help, you need to take it as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) after your symptoms start. If you have pneumonia or other serious illness, you may need to stay in the hospital.
Easing flu symptoms
- Drink lots of fluids such as water, juice, and warm soup. A good rule is to drink enough so that you urinate your normal amount.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Ask your doctor what to take for fever and pain.
- Call your doctor if your fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or you become dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath.
Taking steps to protect others
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or chills. Be sure the fever isn’t being hidden by your medicine.
- Don’t share food, utensils, drinking glasses, or a toothbrush with others.
- Ask your doctor if others in your household should get antiviral medicine to help them prevent the flu.
How can the flu be prevented?
- One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The CDC recommends that all people 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. The virus that causes the flu changes from year to year. For that reason, doctors advise getting the flu vaccine each year as soon as it's available in your area. The vaccine is usually given as a shot, which is usually the first choice of experts. Other forms like a nasal spray or needle-free vaccine are available for some people. Your doctor can tell you which vaccine is right for you.
- Wash your hands often. Frequent handwashing is a proven way to help prevent sickness
- Carry an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol. Use it when you can't use soap and water. Then wash your hands as soon as you can.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- At home and work, clean phones, computer keyboards, and toys often with disinfectant wipes.
- If possible, don't have close contact with others who have the flu or symptoms of the flu.
Tips on washing your hands
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent many common sickness. If you are caring for or visiting someone with the flu, wash your hands each time you enter and leave the room. Follow these steps:
- Use warm water and plenty of soap. Rub your hands together well.
- Clean the whole hand, including under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Wash for at least 15 seconds.
- Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
- Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
Using alcohol-based hand cleaners
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also a good choice to help you prevent flu. Use them when you can not use soap and water. Follow these steps:
- Squeeze about a tablespoon of gel into the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together quickly, clean the backs of your hands, the palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.
- Rub until the gel is gone and your hands are dry.
Prevent the flu in healthcare settings
The flu is a special concern for people in hospitals and long-term care settings. To help prevent the spread of flu, many hospitals and nursing homes take these steps:
- Healthcare workers must wash their hands or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner before and after treating each patient.
- People with the flu have private rooms and bathrooms or share a room with someone with the same illness.
- People who are at high risk for the flu but don't have it are encouraged to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- All healthcare workers are encouraged or required to get flu shots.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.
© 2019 California Health & Wellness. All other identified trademarks/service marks remain the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved.