Seasonal Influenza (FLU)
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness. It can cause mild, to severe illness and can lead to death. Every year about 36,000 people die from flu related causes. Some people with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more at risk for serious complications. Also at risk are elderly people and young children.
Symptoms of the flu include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which are more common in children. Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration or chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Flu viruses spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people are infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it, then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. There are two types of flu vaccines. 1) The “flu shot” that is given with a needle for people ages 6 months and older. 2) Nasal spray flu vaccine (made with a live virus) given to healthy people ages 2-49 years of age and who are not pregnant.
About two weeks after vaccination antibodies develop that protect against the Influenza virus infection. If you have an allergy to eggs you should not get vaccinated. The best time to get a flu shot is September and October. Peak Flu season is usually in January.
The Grayson County Health Department is recommending everyone get a flu vaccine ages 6 months and older.
What to Know About the Flu:
1) Cover your cough. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue then dispose of the tissue right away.
2) Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. (Rub gel in hands until dissolved, about 20 seconds) I do not recommend alcohol based hand sanitizer for younger children since they put their hands in their mouths.
3) If you have a fever stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided. Must be fever free for 24 hours without taking a fever reducer such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc.
4) Get a yearly seasonal flu vaccine.
If you have questions about the flu contact your doctors office or visit www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov on your computer.
Deborah Bennett Williams, LVN
Bells ISD School Nurse