What is influenza?
Influenza is an infection by a microorganism called a virus that is inhaled by the body and can enter the nose, throat and lungs.
Do I have the flu?
Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include the following symptoms: 1) fever (usually high); 2) chills; 3) muscle aches; 4) weakness; 5) sore throat; 6) stuffy or runny nose; 7) headache; 8) red or itchy eyes; 9) dry cough; 10) fatigue (may be extremely tired); 11) diarrhea (especially in children).
What is the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine protects against certain types of influenza virus infections. The following are two types.
1. Influenza vaccine injection, which is usually given in the arm. This injection prevents the onset of influenza infection.
2. Influenza nasal spray is an aerosol that is inhaled through the nose and can be used in healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49.
If you are allergic to eggs, talk to your health care provider before using the flu vaccine. These vaccines are usually available in September until the end of the flu season in March or April.
Who needs to get a flu vaccination?
1. Everyone 50 years of age or older.
2. Women who are planning to become pregnant during the flu season.
3.Medical care providers for infants under 6 months of age.
4. All children 6 months to 18 years of age.
5. Adults and children 2 years of age or older with the following conditions: chronic lung disease (including emphysema and asthma); chronic heart disease (except hypertension); chronic metabolic disease (including diabetes); kidney disease; liver disease; blood disorders (including sickle cell anemia); people with reduced resistance, such as people with HIV/AIDS infection or patients receiving long-term hormone, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Children and adolescents receiving daily aspirin therapy Certain health care providers who care for or live with at-risk patients who may have serious complications from influenza Note: The above list is only an example of situations where influenza vaccination is recommended. Your health care provider may want you to get vaccinated for other situations.
What can we do to prevent the flu?
1. Wash your hands often and in the right way, using soap and water or hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3.Eat a healthy diet.
4.Good control of underlying diseases, such as asthma.
5.Do not smoke and avoid being near the smoke produced by tobacco.
6. Cover your mouth and nose with something appropriate when sneezing or coughing, and then discard it.
What should I do after getting influenza?
1. Control flu symptoms and reduce pain and fever with medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Merlin, Avastin). Do not give aspirin to children until you have talked to your health care provider.
2. Consult your healthcare provider about prescription medications that may help relieve your flu symptoms. These medications need to be used early to be effective.
3. Get as much rest as possible.
Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of pathogens.
6.Suspend work or school and stay home to avoid infecting others.
7. Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe and persistent vomiting.
Prescription: What to do
1. If you need a flu shot, get it as soon as possible, preferably before December.
2. Wash your hands often and in the right way.
3.Good control of chronic diseases like asthma.
4.Keep your body healthy, eat healthy, exercise, and don’t smoke.
5.If you find out you have the flu, stay home and avoid contact with others. If you are very sick with the flu, contact your health care provider.