Seasonal Flu
What is the FLU?
The flu is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Symptoms
The flu usually begins abruptly, with a fever between 102 and 106 °F. (An adult typically has a lower fever than a child.) The fever usually lasts for a day or two, but can last 5 days.
Other common symptoms include:
* Body aches
* Chills
* Dizziness
* Flushed face
* Headache
* Lack of energy
* Nausea
* Vomiting
Somewhere between day 2 and day 4 of the illness, the “whole body” symptoms begin to subside, and respiratory symptoms begin to increase.
The most prominent of the respiratory symptoms is usually a dry, hacking cough. Most people also develop a sore throat and headache. Runny nose (nasal discharge) and sneezing are common.
These symptoms (except the cough) usually disappear within 4 – 7 days. Sometimes, the fever returns. The cough and tiredness usually last for weeks after the rest of the illness is over.
Other symptoms may include:
* Loss of appetite
* Muscle aches and stiffness
* Stuffy, congested nose
* Sweating
* Worsening of underlying illness, such as asthma or heart failure
Seasonal Flu
When is flu season?
Flu season usually runs from late December through March.
Incubation Period
Individuals who have been exposed to the flu virus usually begin showing symptoms within one to four days.
How is it Spread? When are you contagious?
Flu is spread by the air in the form of respiratory droplets from the coughs and sneezes of those who have the flu. Studies have shown that adults can spread the flu virus from 1 day before having symptoms up to 7 days afterward. Young children can spread the virus for longer than 7 days.
If You Get the Flu
* Get plenty of rest * Drink lots of fluids
* Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms
* If you have severe symptoms, contact your doctor right away
* If you have a chronic medical condition, please contact your doctor as soon as you begin experiencing flu symptoms
source: CDC.gov – Google.com/health
