What is the flu?
Written by: Marcos Otero, Retired Physician Associate
Fall and winter are here, and cold and flu season is approaching. That means it’s time to reinforce preventive measures.
The Flu (Influenza) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can lead to mild to severe illness and even death, making it a serious health concern.
Prevalence:
In the US, the 2022-2023 season, the data reveals an estimated 27-54 million confirmed positive cases, 12-26 million related medical visits, 300,000-650,000 hospitalizations, and between 19,000 and 58,000 deaths.
Certain people are at higher risk of serious complications if they contract the flu. This includes the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
The most effective way to prevent the flu is through yearly flu shots. By getting vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu.
Flu Symptoms:
The symptoms are widespread and similar in both the flu and the common cold. Flu-like colds are easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and surface contact. You may be able to spread the flu before you even know you are sick. You can spread a day before you have symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick. Symptoms of flu include some or all of the following:
- Fever
- Shaking chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion
- Muscle and body aches
- Fatigue
COMPLICATIONS:
- Sepsis. Pneumonia (primary viral or secondary bacterial)
- Myocarditis. Encephalitis. Myositis, rhabdomyolysis
- Otitis media; acute sinusitis. Croup; bronchitis
- Apnea in neonates. Reye syndrome
- Encephalopathy, death
RED FLAGS, OR WARNING SIGNS, FOR COMPLICATIONS FROM THE FLU INCLUDE:
- Breathing issues: Fast breathing, trouble breathing, or ribs pulling in with each breath
- Fever: A fever that won’t go away, a fever that returns after you start to feel better, or a fever above 104°F that isn’t controlled by fever-reducing medicine
- Dehydration: indicated by not urinating for 8 hours, dry mouth, or not producing tears when crying.
- Confusion: Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Muscle pain: Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Being aware of these warning signs can help you or your loved ones get the necessary care in time.
The flu can have symptoms similar to those of the common cold. However, flu symptoms can be more severe and lead to serious complications.
FLU PREVENTION:
GET VACCINATED!
Get the vaccine as soon as it is available. But you can vaccinate during the season and even be protective. The flu season begins in October, but the high peaks are in January or later. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to be effective. Everyone over six months old should be vaccinated. Other ways to prevent the spread:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth to cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you have the flu.
Let’s protect our families. GET VACCINATED!
Keep your house clean by wiping down counters, sinks, faucets, doorknobs, telephones, remotes, and light switches with bleach-based cleaners. Wash dishes in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. The flu virus can live on solid surfaces for 24 hours.
If you are sick, stay at home. Stay in a separate room if possible. You may spread the flu from the day before you have signs to 7 days after you get sick. You may return to work after the fever is gone for 24 hours without using drugs to lower your fever.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
