Key Facts About the Flu
- What is influenza?
- Influenza (commonly called "the flu") is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Infection with influenza viruses can result in severe illness and life-threatening complications. An estimated 10% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year: an average of 114,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications and 36,000 Americans die each year from complications of flu.
- What are the symptoms of influenza?
- Symptoms of flu include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults.
- How does influenza spread?
- Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. The viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her nose or mouth.
- How long is a person with influenza contagious?
- A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses - that means they are contagious. Adults may be contagious from 1 day before developing symptoms to up to 7 days after getting sick. Children can be contagious for longer than 7 days.
- How soon will I get sick if I am exposed to influenza?
- The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.
- How is influenza diagnosed?
- Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days after your symptoms begin.
- Who is at special risk of complications from influenza?
- Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. This group includes people age 65 years and older and people of any age with chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and children between 6 months and 23 months of age also are at increased risk from flu complications.
- How is flu treated?
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- Rest
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
- Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever - without first speaking to your doctor.)
If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if you are having trouble breathing), you should consult your health-care provider right away.
If you are at special risk from complication of flu, you should consult your health-care provider when your flu symptoms begin. This includes people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or children.
(Influenza information and guidelines have been adapted from the CDC: www.cdc.gov) - What is a pandemic flu?
- A pandemic flu causes more severe symptoms and is very easily transmitted from person to person, even healthy adults. To find out more about the differences between pandemic and seasonal flu, and what to do if a pandemic occurs, please click here (PDF).