Preparations for the 2009 Flu SeasonWhat is Influenza (also called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall
Every year in the United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population get the flu.
More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications
About 36,000 people die from flu.
Symptoms of FluSymptoms of flu include:
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Stomach symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.)
Complications of FluComplications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic
medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.
Preventing the Flu: Get VaccinatedThe single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:
The flu shot, an inactivate vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The Flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
The nasal-spray vaccine. This vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV or “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.
Flu vaccines will not protect against influenza-like illnesses caused by other viruses.
As part of our Home Health Care services, we provide our patients with all the necessary information needed to make an informed decision when choosing a flu vaccine. |
