So, what exactly is INFLUENZA?

By: Levina Entel, Health Center 

By definition, influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types (or strains) of influenza virus, types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Over the course of the flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes of influenza A viruses can circulate and cause illness.

Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and can be fatal. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:  fever (usually high; 101 or greater), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, muscle/body aches, weakness, and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea (nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea or more common in children than adults).

It can take 1-4 days from when a person is exposed to the flu virus for symptoms to develop, with an average of about 2 days.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING COLDS & FLU

• Get a flu shot each year to prevent the flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose.  Quickly throw away used tissues, and then wash your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow – not into your hands.
• Regularly clean surfaces in your home that are touched often, like light switches, doorknobs, faucets, and appliance handles.
• Don’t share food, utensils, beverages, towels, lipstick, toys, cigarettes, or anything else that might become contaminated with germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.  Germs can spread by touching them.
• Avoid close contact with sick people; most germs are spread when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Stay at home if you have a cough or fever.
• Wear a mask in a medical office if asked.
• Always follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medicine as prescribed.

For more detailed information about Influenza, check out the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu