Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Flu Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually start suddenly, not gradually, and may include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.
It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time. The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus and infected to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.
Preventing Flu
- Get your flu shot
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
- Use alcohol-based hand rub, especially after coughing or sneezing
- Remain cautious
- Stay at least three feet away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces when someone around you is sick
- Remain mindful
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- If you do not have a tissue, use the upper part of your sleeve
- Stay home when you are sick
- Practice healthy habits
- Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of fluids
- Store your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes; a communal toothbrush holder contaminated by an infected person’s toothbrush could transfer germs to yours
- Avoid sharing food with infected people
- Manage your stress
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet
- Meditate
- Incorporate a deep breathing strategy into your daily routine
- Talk through or write about your stresses
- Make time for activities you enjoy
Every flu season is different. The influenza viral infection will affect people differently. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect you against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related death in children.
Get your flu vaccine at Tower Health Urgent Care, with no appointment needed.