What Is Influenza?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an illness caused by a several different viral strains of influenza. Each year, typical from October thru April. several strains (and possibly different ones from year to year) circulate and are easily spread from person to person.
How the Flu Spreads.
The flu virus spreads through airborne particles when a person breathes in air from an infected person who coughs, sneezes, or laughs less than 3 feet from another person. It can also get into your body if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after you touched something that an infected person sneezed, coughed, or drooled on. Flu virus can live for up to 2 days on hard surfaces like toys, tables, computer keyboards, phones, and doorknobs. Even worse, an infected person can spread flu others before they even know they have the flu and for at least 7 days after getting sick.
What Are Symptoms of the Flu?
Typical symptoms of the flu look a lot like the common cold with or without stomach bug symptoms as well. Unfortunately, flu symptoms usually come on faster and are generally worse. Common symptoms include:
- Fever (can last up to 7 days)
- Headache
- Cough
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Muscle and body aches
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
In some people, the flu may lead to secondary bacterial infections such as, ear infections, pneumonia and sinus infections and other complications including dehydration, respiratory problems and encephalitis; all which will require additional medical interventions.
People who have diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney problems or a weakened immune system may have a harder time fighting the flu.
Prevent the Flu!
The flu vaccine helps prevent the flu or dramatically decreases the severity of it. I recommend flu vaccines for all children 6 months or older every year. Flu vaccines are formulated each year based on which strains they predict will appear. That means that the vaccine works better some years than others. We don’t always get it right, I’m the first one to admit that, but when it comes down to it, the flu vaccine is your best bet.
There are 2 types of flu vaccines. The flu shot (injection) uses a virus that is dead. The other uses live, weakened virus; you get this vaccine through the nose (intranasal). The intranasal flu vaccine should only be given to people who cannot take the shot, are older than 2 years old and have not been immunocompromised.
As with any vaccine please work with your doctor to understand the benefits and risks. The bottom line here is that Seasonal Flu is a serious disease that causes illness, hospitalizations, and deaths every year! As a doctor, I know the risks and benefits of vaccines. My children and I receive the influenza vaccine because I firmly believe the benefits outweigh the risks. I also know you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The risk of a flu shot causing serious harm or death is extremely small. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, may rarely cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Be informed, talk to your doctor.
Prevent the spread of the Flu.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth whenever possible.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissues away where no one else can touch them. Wash hands afterward.
- Frequent and good hand washing is very important. Wash hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, or the same amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” 2 times.
- If you do not have access to soap and water, clean hands with alcohol-based hand wipes or gel hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Rub hands until dry.
- Wash things used for drinking and eating in hot, soapy water. Do not share them.
- Wipe down hard surfaces that may have virus germs on them. Use a disinfectant wipe or soap and water.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Practice good health habits. Eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and get enough rest to keep your immune system strong.
How to Treat the Flu.
The doctor may order an antiviral medicine called Tamiflu that helps decrease the severity and length of symptoms. It works best if started within 48 hours after symptoms begin. Since the flus is a virus, antibiotics will not help.
If your child has pain or fever, you may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) as directed. Read the label to know the right dose for your child. *Do not give your child aspirin or products that contain aspirin. Do not give ibuprofen to children younger than 6 months.
When to Call the Doctor.
Fever. If an infant younger than 2 months of age and has a temperature of 100.4°Fahrenheit (F) or 38° Celsius (C) or higher. If your child is older than 2 months of age and has a temperature of 104°F (40° C) or above, above 102°F (38.9° C) for more than 3-4 days or a fever that has been treated and is not improving. At any age, has a fever and Looks very ill, very fussy, or very drowsy. Other reasons to call your doctor, stiff neck, bad headache, very sore throat, unusual rash, or will not eat or drink and shows signs of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include decreased urine output, dry mouth, sunken looking eyes, no tears when crying, or hard to arouse (lethargic).
