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Pam Granata, LPN Health Room News
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms: Fever (usually high) Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Cough Sore Throat Runny or stuffy nose Body Aches Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults) Have these symptoms does not always mean you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms. The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. These steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as flu: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze-throw the tissue away after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way. It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor’s exam may be needed to tell weather you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness. If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if you are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children. If you get the flu, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications such as acetaminophen (eg., Tylenol) to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever. Information taken from: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) |
