Diseases & Conditions

Seasonal Influenza

Influenza (flu) is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Each year in the United States, on average 5 to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu.  

There are two main types of flu viruses: Types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types. Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes of influenza A viruses can circulate and cause illness.

Flu activity in South Georgia normally peaks in January and February. The season can start as early as October and last until May.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Children can have additional gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults. Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, these illnesses are caused by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly parasites, and are rarely related to influenza.

Infection

The main way that influenza viruses spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled (generally up to three feet) through the air and deposited on the mouth of nose of people nearby. Less frequently, the virus can also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "Take 3" steps to fight the flu:

1. The time to get a flu vaccine. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. The vaccine can protect you from getting sick from three main flu strains, or it can make your illness milder if you get a different flu virus.
2. Take everyday preventive actions. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Stay home if you get the flu and avoid close contact with sick people.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you do get the flu, antiviral drugs are an important treatment opinion.

Source: www.cdc.gov