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FLU
FACTS | ABOUT THE FLU | INFLUENZA
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FLU FACTS
Influenza, commonly called the flu,
is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza
virus. Signs of the flu
include sudden onset of headache, chills, and feeling generally
miserable. Respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, cough and sore
throat appear, and the flu sufferer often experiences extreme fatigue
and muscle aches in the back and legs.
Fever between 100 and 103 degrees
Fahrenheit is typical in adults, and is often even higher in children.
Scientists have classified influenza viruses as types A, B and C. Type
A is the most common and leads to the most serious epidemics. Type B
can cause epidemics, but usually produces a milder disease than type
A. Type C
viruses have usually been associated with symptoms suggesting a common
cold. |
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Influenza rarely causes stomach upset; however, young children may
have nausea and vomiting during the most severe phase of the flu. What
is popularly called "stomach flu" is usually another malady:
gastroenteritis. Bacteria, toxins, or viruses other than influenza are
the usual causes of gastroenteritis. |
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Serious illnesses like strep throat,
measles, and chickenpox sometimes have flu-like symptoms. It's
important to see a doctor if symptoms persist, become severe or
localized in the throat, stomach or lungs, or if other symptoms such
as skin rash, vomiting or behavioral changes occur.
Influenza and other respiratory viruses can be transmitted in
one of two ways: by inhaling infectious particles in the air (like
respiratory secretions from a cough or sneeze), or by touching
respiratory secretions, usually on the skin, of an already-infected
person and then touching one's eyes or nose. Shaking hands, for
example, with an infected person, or touching environmental surfaces
(like doorknobs or handrails) that have been contaminated with flu
virus particles and then touching your eyes or nose may transmit the
virus.
"In addition to getting vaccinated, the single most important step
people can take to help prevent getting the flu is to wash their
hands," says Linda Lambert, PhD, influenza program officer with the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Hand washing is
especially important after interacting with children, according to
Lambert, since children are very susceptible to flu and are the
primary spreaders of the virus in the community.
Lambert also recommends disinfecting
environmental surfaces in the home when someone is sick with the flu
since the virus can live for several hours on these surfaces. Using
virus-killing disinfectant on telephones, doorknobs, and computer
keyboards, for example, can help prevent transmission to other family
members. "And if you have the flu," says Lambert, "always use
disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and throw away the tissue
immediately to help prevent infectious particles from spreading to
someone else." |
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Source: FDA
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SYMPTONS | AVIAN FLU
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