Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include fever,
headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.
Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea,
these illnesses are caused by other viruses or bacteria and are rarely related to influenza.
In the United States, influenza is associated with approximately 36,000 deaths and 200,000
hospitalizations each year. If diagnosed within two days of illness, anti-viral medication may
be prescribed to treat influenza (note that antibiotics will not work as influenza is caused by a
virus and antibiotics are only useful for diseases caused by bacteria). More information on
bacteria vs. virus can be found
here.
The best way to prevent flu, especially in people at high risk for serious complications, is to
get a vaccination each year during fall. Since the virus changes each year, unlike other vaccine
preventable diseases, it is necessary to receive a new influenza vaccine each year. People at
high risk for complications include:
Children aged 6 months to 18 years of age,
Pregnant women,
People 50 years of age and older, and
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including
household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above), household
contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age, and health care
workers should also be vaccinated.
In addition, practicing good health habits such as hand washing and covering your nose and mouth
when coughing or sneezing may also prevent the spread of influenza.
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