Influenza, more widely know as “the flu,” is a common illness in the U.S. occurring during the winter months and early spring. While many viruses can cause “the flu,” influenza can make people very sick and can cause many people to be ill at the same time. Most recover from influenza in a few days. Some people– including seniors, young children and those who have heart or lung disease– might get sicker from influenza and need to see a doctor for medical care.
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What is influenza?
Influenza is caused by a virus. When a person with influenza coughs or sneezes, this virus goes into the air and can land on people or objects within three feet and can cause other people to become sick. The virus is also spread other ways from person to person. Symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches. Influenza can cause some people to get very sick– and it can even be deadly, especially in the very old and people with other medical conditions.
How can you prevent influenza?
The best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu shot every year from your doctor or at a community clinic. The flu shot is recommended every year for all children age six to 24 months old, adults 50+ years old, pregnant women and people with certain health problems, including heart and lung disease. Flu shots usually become available in October of each year and are given throughout the winter.
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There is also medicine available to help prevent influenza, or to reduce its severity in those already sick. This medicine must be ordered by a doctor and is usually reserved for people who could get seriously ill from influenza.
You can lower your risk of getting influenza and other viruses by washing your hands with soap and water. These viruses can get on your hands, and you can become infected when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. You should always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This keeps the virus from getting into the air and making other people sick. If you are sick, you should stay home from work or school to keep from making other people sick.
General Flu Prevention Tips:
- Get a flu shot. The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you do not have a tissue.
- Clean your hands.
- Washing your hands frequently will help protect you from germs.
When washing with soap and water:
Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available. Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces. Continue rubbing hands for 30 seconds. Rinse hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use a dry paper towel to turn off the faucet
When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
Apply product to the palm of one hand. Rub hands together. Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
How can I get health care for my child or family?
It is very important that you and your children have a regular doctor or clinic to go to when you are sick. It is also very important that your children have regular checkups and common childhood diseases. Find a doctor online or call 800-MEMORIAL (800-636-6742). Call the Health Care Agency Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448 for more information about health insurance programs for your children and/or the many Community Clinics in Orange County that provide affordable health care. These clinics are also listed at www.coccc.org.
Should you be worried about the bird flu?
Influenza viruses are common among birds. One specific type of bird flu, called H5N1, has made many birds sick in countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Iraq, a few people who touched these sick birds later became sick. While the total number of human cases of H5N1 infection is low, many of those infected have died. Doctors are worried that this type of bird flu will change so that it spreads easily from person to person and will make more people sick. Right now, this type of bird flu is not found in the U.S. It is safe to eat chicken in the U.S., but remember: Chicken should always be completely cooked to prevent other infections, such as Salmonella.
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