Flu Facts

There are 3 types of flu viruses (A,B & C)
Type A is the type most commonly seen and is the type with the greatest potential for severe symptoms.

The flu is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and other people breathe in the infected air droplets. A person with the flu is infectious (able to give it to others) from one day before they have symptoms until seven days after they first become ill. So it is possible to give someone else the flu before you even know you have it.

To avoid catching or spreading the Flu:

• Avoid close contact.
  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick.
  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands.
  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

The hallmark signs of the flu are:

• Sudden onset of illness.
  Usually within a few hours a person goes from feeling well to feeling very ill (unlike the viruses that cause the cold which come on gradually and are not as severe).
• Severe muscle & joint aches.
  These are often so bad they leave you bedridden. Other symptoms include: headache, cough & Extreme fatigue.
• Fever.
  Usually over 101-102, & lasting 3 or more days. A cold will rarely produce temperatures over 101, and if so, rarely of more that 1-2 days duration.
• Stomach symptoms.
  Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea are not common in adults with the flu (they are more common in children)

Generally healthy people survive the flu without complications the majority of the time. The most common complications are secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia. People with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease (including asthma), heart disease or any chronic disease are at a higher risk for complications.

The flu is the worst for the first 3-5 days. The fever usually decreases by day 3 and after 7 days the other symptoms are improving also. Fatigue and a general “not well” feeling may last for two weeks (sometimes longer)

The best treatments are:

• Rest
• Fluids
• Tylenol (or other over the counter pain relievers)

A drug called amantadin is effective against type A influenza. However, for it to work at all it must be started within 48 hours of the onset of illness. Even then, it will only decrease the duration of the illness by 1 day. It also has the potential to produce side effects such as headache, nausea, confusion, sleepiness, dizziness and constipation. The flu is a virus, so antibiotics do not help.

A person with the flu should see a doctor if:

• The fever lasts more than 3 days
• Wheezing or difficulty with breathing (shortness of breath).
• He/she becomes dehydrated
• If any chronic medical conditions worsen.