Influenza has arrived, be prepared

Here’s what people can do:
   • Wash hands a lot
   • Get a flu shot
   • Cover mouth and nose when cough

What to watch for:
   • Fever, body-aches, tiredness and cough
   • Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur

What to do if feeling ill:
   • Stay home
   • Stay home for a full 24 hours after fever stays gone without using any fever medications (usually 5-7 days after onset)
   • Cover mouth and nose when cough
   • Wash hands a lot

How long can a person spread germs?
   • One day before feeling sick
   • One week or more after getting sick

Influenza facts

What is influenza?
   • Influenza or flu is a virus caused respiratory disease.
   • Two main types are “A” and “B”.
   • Influenza Type-A typically occurs in the fall and early spring and is usually more severe then Type-B.

How is influenza spread?
   • Influenza is spread from person-to-person when droplets of moisture from one person with influenza are spread through the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
   • Influenza virus can also remain on surfaces and be picked up by people who touch the surface then touch their face, eyes or nose.

What are the symptoms of influenza?
   • Fever, chills, headache, dry cough and body aches.
   • Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
   • The risk of developing severe complications, such as pneumonia and death increase with age, especially people more than 55 years old, or people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and diseases of the heart, lungs or kidneys, or other chronic diseases that weaken the immune system.

How is influenza diagnosed and treated?
   • Usually the diagnosis is based on the appearance of classic signs and symptoms or by testing.
   • Anti-viral medication can shorten or lessen the severity of the flu if given within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
   • Otherwise, bed rest, drinking more than the usual amount liquids, and taking pain relievers to help reduce the discomfort of flu are recommended.
   • Children with influenza should not be treated with aspirin.

How is influenza prevented?
   • Flu vaccinations.
   • Because the influenza virus changes from year to year, it is important to get vaccinated on a yearly basis.
   • Flu vaccinations are only protective for about a year.

Is the vaccine safe?
   • The vaccine is very safe and effective with few side effects.
   • There may be some soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given.
   • Other possible mild side effects include a headache and low-grade fever for a day after the vaccination.
   • The vaccination does not cause the flu.
   • In general, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.