Flu Facts



About the flu vaccine…
The flu vaccine provides protection against three strains of influenza
virus.

This year there are two kinds of flu vaccine:

§ The flu shot
The flu vaccine that is given as a shot and is now available from most physicians and clinics.

§ The nasal-spray flu vaccin
The vaccine that is sprayed into the nose is a weakened live vaccine
that can be used only for healthy people ages 5-49.

Who should get the flu shot?
People at high risk of complications from flu:

§ all children 6 – 23 months old
§ adults > 65 years old
§ pregnant women in their second or third trimester
§ persons aged > 2 years old with underlying chronic conditions

Health officials are strongly recommending that all children be immunized against the flu since
they can be carriers.

Who should get the nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMistTM)?
Any healthy person between the ages of 5 and 49 may receive the nasal-spray
flu vaccine.

Simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:


§ Wash hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol based hand rub
or gel frequently, especially after visiting public places or being in
contact with anyone with a cold or the flu. Avoid touching your eyes, nose
and mouth.

§ Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Turn your head (never
cough in the direction of someone else) and cough or sneeze into a tissue.
If
tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

§ Do not take young children, those with immune system problems or the
chronically ill into large crowds unnecessarily when the flu is in your
community.

§ Avoid close contact (holding, hugging and kissing) with anyone who
has a cold or the flu. Be very careful with children, as they are most
likely to become sick with the flu.

§ Stay home from work or school and avoid public activities for at
least 5 (7 for children) days if you have symptoms of the flu.

§ Do not share items that can spread germs and viruses, like drinking
cups, straws, or other items that you put in your mouth.

§ Clean things that are touched often in household, classroom and
child care settings: door or refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets etc.

About the flu…

What is the flu?

The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing) system.
The flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and
sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms generally get
better after 7 –10 days.

The flu usually starts very suddenly with:

§ fever (from 102° – 104°) lasting 3 – 4 days
§ headache
§ severe muscle aches
§ general weakness/extreme fatigue
These symptoms are accompanied by:

§ dry cough
§ sore throat
§ runny or stuffy nose


What to do if you have the flu:


§ Rest in bed
§ Drink lots of fluids
§ Take non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g.
Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®, Motrin®, etc.). Children and teens with the flu
should never take aspirin as they may develop a rare, but serious disease
called Reye syndrome

§ Stay home and avoid public activities until your symptoms are
resolved (usually 5-7 days)
§ Talk with your health care provider if you are considering
prescription drugs as they can have serious side effects in some people
§ For extreme cases, visit your health care provider or the emergency
department as soon as possible


Note: If you are at high risk for complications from the flu (see: Who
Should Get the Flu Shot? on reverse side), you should consult your health care
provider when your flu symptoms begin. Your doctor may choose to use certain
antiviral drugs to treat the flu.


When should you see a health care provider?

You should see a health care provider or go to an emergency room immediately
if you have any of the symptoms below:


§ Severe or prolonged flu symptoms
§ Rapid or labored breathing, or bluish skin
§ Pain or difficulty breathing
§ Becoming sick again with fever and/or a worse cough after flu
symptoms have improved
§ Not drinking enough fluids

§ Cough with yellow sputum or phlegm




Parents should seek medical attention for infants and children that are:


§ Not waking up; not interacting with others

§ So irritable they do not want to be held