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Influenza, also called the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by
a virus. It is different than a "cold." Influenza (flu) usually begins
with a sudden onset of fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and often extreme
fatigue. These symptoms usually make people sick enough to keep them in
bed for several days.
Most people recover from the flu completely in 1-2 weeks, although some
people develop serious medical complications, such as pneumonia. Flu related
complications can occur at any age; however, the elderly, very young infants
and toddlers, and people with chronic health problems are much more likely
to develop serious complications after an influenza infection than are
younger, healthier people.
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There are measures that everyone can take to limit the spread
of the flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses that occur
in the community:
-
Get
a flu shot every year.
-
Cough
or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
-
Wash
your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, for at
least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
-
Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
-
Avoid
close contact with others who are sick.
-
Stay
home when you are sick.
-
Limit
your time in crowds.
-
Clean
things that are touched often.
-
If
you have questions about your illness, call your health care
provider.
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The flu usually starts suddenly with:
- Fever (102° - 104°), lasting 3 - 5 days
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Severe muscle aches
- Tiredness, which can be extreme and can last 2 weeks
or more
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
What to do if you have flu symptoms:
- Rest in bed
- Drink lots of fluids (water or juice)
- Take non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ®)
or ibuprofen (Advil ®, Motrin ®, etc.) Never give aspirin to
children or teens with fever because they can develop a serious disease
called Reye syndrome.
- Stay home for at least 5 days (7 days for children) after
you get sick so that you do not pass the flu to others
- Talk with your health care provider about prescription
drugs because they can cause serious side effects in some people
People at risk for complications from the flu:
Young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women,
and people with chronic medical conditions are at risk for serious complications
from the flu. If you are at risk for complications, call your health care
provider as soon as your flu symptoms start. He/she may want to do a test
to confirm that you have the flu and recommend antiviral drugs if you
do have the flu.
You should see a doctor or go to an emergency room
immediately if:
- Fever does not get better after 3 - 5 days
- Breathing is fast, difficult or painful
- Skin has a blue color
- There is yellow mucous with the cough
- The fever or cough goes away for 24 hours and then returns
- You are not able to drink enough fluids
- You have less than the usual amount of urine or the urine
is dark
Parents should call a doctor if an infant or child
has any of the symptoms above or if the infant or child:
- Still "acts sick" once the fever is gone
- Looks very sick or is unusually drowsy or fussy
- Has a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat,
severe earache or unexplained rash, or has repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Has a fever and has had a seizure
- Has a weak immune system because of disease or medication
What to do if you become ill after traveling to
a country where there is bird flu (H5N1).
If you travel to an area affected by bird flu and become ill
with a fever and cough or have difficulty breathing within 10 days of
your return, call your health care provider right away. Be prepared to
tell the doctor about your symptoms, where you traveled and if you had
close contact with poultry. If you develop these problems after contact
with a sick person who has recently traveled to the affected areas, call
your healthcare provider right away.
For more information about Influenza - Key facts,
Preventing the Flu and Getting Vaccinated and Questions and Answers:
Maine
Center for Disease Control (MeCDC)
U.S. Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Flu
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