Are You Ready For Flu Season?

By Yusuf Khan, MD

ACT Fast Medical Care

More Family/Primary Care Articles

Are You Ready For Flu Season?

The flu (influenza) is a respiratory illness that is very contagious. It is caused by the influenza viruses and can infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Illness due to the flu can range from very mild to severe, and can even cause death. The best way one can protect themselves from the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.

Many experts agree that the flu virus is spread by droplets made by people who have the flu when they cough, sneeze, or even talk. Less commonly, people can get flu by touching an object that has flu virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose.

Signs and symptoms of the flu may include fever (not always present), chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and often feeling very tired. Some may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, however, these symptoms are usually more common in children.

The contagious period can be anywhere from one day before symptoms present up to 57 days after becoming ill. Symptoms usually arise from 14 days after exposure to the flu virus, with the average being about two days.

Complications of flu may include ear infections, sinus infections, worsening of chronic medical conditions, and dehydration. Individuals at a high risk of contracting the flu are people over the age of 65 years, those individuals with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, pregnant women, and young children.

The CDC recommends not only getting the flu vaccine yearly, but to also take preventive actions, such as covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent hand washing. Your doctor can test you for flu, and there are influenza antiviral medications available. For more information, please visit the CDC website www.cdc.gov. Stay healthy.