Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious
respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the
United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends
every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called
seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who
are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others 1 day
before getting symptoms and as long as 5 days after getting sick.
Seasonal FluA contagious respiratory illness caused
by influenza (flu) viruses occurring every year. It affects an average
of 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population by causing mild to
severe illness, and in some instances can lead to death.
EpidemicThe rapid spread of a disease that affects some or many people in a community or region at the same time.
PandemicAn outbreak of a disease that affects large numbers of people throughout the world and spreads rapidly.
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)H1N1 influenza is a
respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that
cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1
influenza, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 influenza
viruses have been reported to spread from person-toperson.
Avian InfluenzaCommonly known as bird flu, this
strain of influenza virus is naturally occurring in birds. Wild birds
can carry the virus and may not get sick from it; however, domestic
birds may become infected by the virus and often die from it.
The following groups of people are at an increased
risk: people age 50 or older, pregnant women, people with chronic
medical conditions, children age 6 months and older and people who live
with or care for anyone at high risk.
People at high risk should have their vaccinations
updated every year and receive pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine if age 50
or older, as directed by their physician.
What should I do to avoid getting sick?
A flu vaccine is available in the U.S.
every year. Get your flu shot as soon as it is available for the best
chance of protection.
- Always practice good health habits to maintain your bodys resistance to infection.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise daily.
- Manage stress.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and
sneeze. If you dont have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of
your elbow.
- Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
- Adopt business/school practices that encourage employees/students to stay home when sick.
- Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.
Do I have the flu?
Be aware of common flu symptoms:
- High fever
- Severe body aches
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than in adults)
- NOTE: Having all of these symptoms doesnt always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms.
Diagnosing the flu:
- It may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from the flu or another illness.
- Your health care provider may be able to tell you if you have the flu.
- If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about possible complications, consult your health care provider.
Potential risks and serious complications of the flu:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
- Ear infections
- Sinus problems
What should I do when someone is sick?
Be aware of common flu symptoms:
- Designate one person as the caregiver.
- Keep everyones personal items separate. All household members
should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets,
food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.
- Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones,
toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or
workplace.
- Wash everyones dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
- Wash everyones clothes in a standard washing machine as you
normally would. Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands
after handling dirty laundry.
- Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.
How do I protect my workplace?
In an influenza pandemic, businesses and other employers have a key
role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the
negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic
influenza is critical. HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention have developed guidelines, including checklists, to assist
businesses, industries, and other employers in planning for a pandemic
outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes.
Get more information on flu preparedness for businesses at flu.gov.
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