Influenza
It’s that time of year again: the dreaded flu season is upon us! Let the Expert Nurse at Amplio Healthcare Improvement give you a few simple tips on understanding influenza.
What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and symptoms of flu
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
How flu spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, eyes or (possibly) nose.
If it’s the flu, your doctor can prescribe antiviral medications that can help stop the virus from spreading and shorten the time that you are sick.
Questions to ask your doctor
Antivirals for flu treatment
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2011 Guidelines for Flu Vaccine
When should you get the flu shot?
- You can begin to get the flu shot as early as September and as late as January. Yet the ideal time is before the end of November.
- Where to get the flu shot?
- It is always best to check with your doctor. If you do not have a primary doctor, you can go to your local Walgreens, Med-Check or local newspaper for listings of public events.
Will I get sick from getting the flu shot?
- The vaccine is not a live virus. If you do experience cold or flu symptoms, you may have already been exposed to the common cold or flu. Follow up with your doctor for any concerns.
Prevention is always the best scenario.
- Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, keep hydrated with water and schedule daily exercise to strengthen the immune system.
- When sneezing, make sure you sneeze in your sleeve (the bend of your arm).
- When in public places, make sure you wipe off the handles of carts, gym equipment or other shared items with a sanitizing wipe before and after using them.
- When at an engagement or place where you will be shaking hands, be sure to not touch your eyes, nose or mouth until you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” two times).
- Carry alcohol-based (>60%) hand sanitizers with you when unable to wash your hands.
Healthcare Professionals:
Make sure to maintain proper documentation that clients have been vaccinated and/or offered and refused after being educated on the benefits of vaccination. If vaccination is given outside of a primary-care setting, be sure to forward to another professional or supply individuals with a vaccination card.
Trusted websites for further information:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/
http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/en/
Visit the Expert Nurse at www.ampliohci.com