Seasonal Influenza
What You Need to Know About the Flu
GENERAL FACTS ABOUT THE FLU
What is Influenza (also called the “flu”)?
Influenza, commonly called "the 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 can cause a more severe illness and possibly life-threatening complications.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu has an incubation period of 1-4 days, with an average of about 2 days.
Symptoms usually develop quickly and include:
• Fever (usually high)
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Extreme tiredness
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children
than adults.
The flu can range in severity of illness from person to person. In some people, the illness will be mild, while in other special populations, the illness can range in severity, and sometimes lead to serious complications.
Complications of the Flu in Special Populations
Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. They include people age 65 years and older and people of any age with chronic medical conditions.
Children between 6-23 months old and pregnant women are also at increased risk. Some complications of flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Children may develop sinus problems and ear infections.
How is flu spread?
Influenza viruses are predominantly spread from person to person by respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person can be propelled (generally up to 3 feet) through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Although much less frequent, the virus also can be 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. Scientific studies show that adults can spread virus from 1 day before developing symptoms to 7 days after getting sick. Young children can be contagious for a longer period. In general, however, people are most contagious early in the illness.
How do I know if I have the flu?
Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first two or three days after your symptoms begin. In addition, a doctor's examination may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of the flu.
How is flu treated?
If you develop the flu, you should get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications 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).
Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) won’t work. However, if started within 48 hours of the onset of your symptoms, an antiviral, such as oseltamivir, may decrease the symptoms and/or decrease the length of the illness.
You should consult your doctor to determine whether such treatment is appropriate for you.
If your 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 for flu complications, 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 young children.
Are there certain times of the year when I am more likely to get the flu?
The flu generally occurs during the winter months.Countries in the northern hemisphere, including the United States, tend to see more flu between the months of October and May.
The flu season officially begins on October 1st of each year, and continues through mid-May of the following year. Although Hawaii experiences a flu season,
we tend to see flu year round because of our tropical climates and tourist populations.
Where do I go for more information?
GETTING YOUR FLU SHOT
Is there a vaccine for flu? Where can I get it?
Yes, there is a flu vaccine that you can get from your doctor. For additional information about flu immunization and a detailed list of flu immunization clinic times, dates, and locations, please visit the Hawaii Immunization Program website at www.vaxhawaii.com or call Aloha United Way at 211.
The flu season is already underway. Is it still useful for me to get the flu shot?
Yes, it is. You can get the flu shot at any time during the flu season, and it is useful because it will protect you during the remainder of the flu season.
If I got my flu shot late last year, do I still need to get another flu shot for the next flu season?
Yes, each year’s flu shot is formulated differently. Therefore, each year’s vaccine will protect your from slightly different circulating flu viruses. So irrespective of when you got your flu shot during the past flu season, you should still get another shot for the next flu season.
Who should get vaccinated?
Anyone can benefit from getting the flu vaccine, because getting the flu shot reduces one’s chances of developing the flu. However, certain people who are a high risk of developing flu-associated complications are particularly encouraged to get their flu shot each year. If you belong to one of the groups below, please talk to your doctor about getting your flu shot this year.
• Senior citizens, 65 years of age or older or Children, ages 6 months to 2 years
• People living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Those with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma
• Those with other chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
• Those with compromised immune systems (cause by immune diseases, certain medications, and HIV infection)
• People with other conditions such as seizure disorder or muscle disorders
• Pregnant women
• Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
If you are a healthcare worker or caregiver to people from any of the high-risk groups mentioned above, you are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine, both for your protection and for that of those whom you care for.
The flu vaccine is also recommended for people between the ages of 50-64 years, because they are likely to suffer from other medical conditions that place them at risk for flu-related complications.
The flu vaccine’s ability to protect different populations from the flu varies depending upon the age and health status of the vaccinated individual, and how closely the vaccine resembles the viruses in circulation during the given flu season.
Who should NOT get vaccinated?
Talk to your doctor to determine whether you should not receive the flu vaccine. The flu shot can be harmful to some people, including those who are severely allergic to chicken eggs, those who have developed serious allergic responses to the flu shot in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot, and children under 6 months of age.
How often should I get vaccinated?
Each year’s flu shot is designed to protect you against the same year’s circulating flu viruses. If different viruses are expected to circulate the following year, the flu shot is modified accordingly. Also, once you have got your flu shot, your chances of developing the flu are reduced for approximately a year.
It is therefore important to get your flu shot every year. Last year’s flu shot will not provide you with sufficient immunity this year.
When is the vaccine available?
Generally, the flu shot for a new flu season is available after August. Call your physician to find out when the flu vaccine will be available to you. You can also visit the Hawaii Immunization Program website at www.vaxhawaii.com or call Aloha United Way at 211.
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PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE FLU
How can I avoid getting the flu?
Besides getting the flu shot, you can avoid the flu by practicing good hygiene.
For example:
•Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash with soap for at 15-20 seconds before rinsing, and rub your hands vigorously.
•Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or the nook of your elbow. Germs are spread easily when we touch things with our hands. So, try not to sneeze directly into your hands.
•Stay home from school or work if at all possible if you are sick.
•Avoid coming in close contact with sick people. Stay at least three feet away if at all possible.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth often.
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HOW TO TREAT THE FLU IF YOU GET SICK
How do I know if I have the flu?
Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first two or three days after your symptoms begin. In addition, a doctor's examination may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of the flu.
How is flu treated?
If you develop the flu, you should get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications 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).
Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) won’t work.
However, if started within 48 hours of the onset of your symptoms, an antiviral,
such as oseltamivir, may decrease the symptoms and/or decrease the length of the illness. You should consult your doctor to determine whether such treatment is appropriate for you.
If your 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 flu complications, you should consult your doctor when your flu symptoms begin. This includes people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or young children.
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