Influenza

Influenza is a serious viral respiratory infection of the nose, throat and lungs that ranks as one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season (flu season is generally December through March). It is not the same as the "stomach flu." An estimated 10 to 20 percent of Americans get influenza every year. About 36,000 people in the United States die from influenza each year, and an additional 200,000 are hospitalized. 

Influenza usually is not considered life threatening for healthy adults. It can, however, lead to very serious complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, especially in people older than age 65, young children and those with chronic illnesses.

Causes

Influenza is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and is spread when an infected person touches or shakes hands with another, sneezes and coughs without covering the mouth, or touches objects such as doorknobs that other people may touch.

Symptoms

Influenza symptoms differ from those of a cold. Flu symptoms are usually more serious and leave you lying flat on your back. Unlike the stomach flu, influenza usually does not cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Flu symptoms:

• Fever, often 102 to 104 degrees F; it may last up to seven days

• Headache

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

• Body/muscle aches, which may be severe

• Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also can occur but are more common in children than adults

• Dry cough, sometimes severe

• Mild stuffy or runny nose and sore throat

Treatment

Because influenza is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral medications are available that may reduce the severity and shorten the length of the flu if given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Two antiviral medications have been approved for use in preventing the flu but should not be considered replacements for an annual flu vaccination.

These medications are not helpful in treating the complications that may result from influenza. Each medication has a different set of side effects; you should discuss these with your doctor before taking one of the medications.

Self-Care Steps for Influenza

When you have the flu, try these steps to help you feel more comfortable:

• Stay home and get the rest you need. It is one of the best ways to deal with influenza, and it keeps you from spreading it to other people.

• Drink extra fluids. Warm fluids are soothing, especially if your throat is irritated. Drinking adequate fluids is important to prevent dehydration when you have a fever.

• To relieve nasal congestion, sleep with your head elevated. For adults, over-the-counter decongestants can be used. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage and precautions. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, thyroid disease or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about using decongestants.

• Treat your headache, sore muscles and fever with aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children under age 21.

Getting immunized against the flu (either a shot or the live nasal vaccine) is the best way to protect yourself from influenza. There are also other steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the disease:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.

• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. If flu germs get on your hands, you can infect yourself by rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth.

• Wash your hands after you've handled objects such as doorknobs, telephones and toys.

• Wash your hands if you have the flu to avoid infecting others.

• Keep at a distance from people who are coughing and sneezing.

• Limit the time you stay in the same room with a sick person.

• Avoid exposure to the virus. Crowds of people may mean a lot of flu virus in the air. If you are sick, stay home and get the rest you need.

• Don't share your personal items, including towels, washcloths, silverware, cups, glasses, straws, razors and toothbrushes.

• Keep up your resistance to infection with a good diet, plenty of rest and regular exercise.

About Flu Shots

The influenza vaccine is effective in preventing the flu for about 70 percent of people. You need to get a flu shot every year, because the virus that causes influenza may change from year to year. The standard vaccine given as a shot does not contain live virus, so you cannot get the flu from it. A live, attenuated vaccine that is sprayed into the nose is available and is as, or more, effective than the flu shot. It is only recommended for people ages 5 to 49. Because the virus is “attenuated,” it cannot cause flu, although it may produce a mild reaction. The best time to get an influenza vaccination is between October and mid-November, but it can be given until the flu season (December through March) is over.

Most people have no side effects from receiving the vaccine. Redness or swelling at the injection site may occur for one to two days. Occasionally, fever and muscle aches may also be present.

Who should get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu can be immunized. According to 2006 CDC recommendations, certain people should be immunized each year:

1) People at high risk for complications from the flu:

• People 65 years and older

• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses

• Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma

• Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (diabetes), chronic kidney disease or weakened immune system, including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with HIV/AIDS

• Children 6 months to 18 years of age who are on long-term aspirin therapy; children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk for Reye's syndrome

• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

• All children 6 to 59 months of age

• People with any condition that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, such as brain injury or disease, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other nerve or muscle disorders

2) People 50 to 64 years of age. Because nearly one-third of Americans ages 50 to 64 have one or more medical conditions that place them at increased risk for serious flu complications, vaccination is recommended for everyone in this age group.

3) People who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications. Any person in close contact with someone in a high-risk group (see above) should get vaccinated. This includes all health care workers, household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children 6 to 59 months of age, and close contacts of people 50 years and older. 

People who should not get a flu shot:

• Anyone with a serious allergy to chicken eggs

• Anyone who has had a serious reaction to a previous dose of influenza vaccine

• People who are allergic to thimerosal, a preservative used in the vaccine

• People with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome

• Babies younger than 6 months