Overview - Influenza (commonly called the flu) is a highly contagious viral illness that can occur in children or adults of any age. It occurs most frequently in the winter months as individuals spend more time in close contact with one another. The virus is spread easily from person-to-person via infected respiratory secretions. Complications of influenza require more than 200,000 people in the US to be hospitalized every year. Serious illness is more likely in the very young, older adults, pregnant women, and people who have certain underlying health conditions such as malnutrition, asthma or other forms of lung disease. There have been several severe and extensive flu outbreaks in the 20th century (called pandemics), which led to the death of millions of people worldwide. These occurred when influenza viruses developed (often from pigs or birds) and humans became infected because they had no immunity to these viruses.
Swine H1N1 Flu - Swine influenza is a type of flu virus that infects pigs. A new strain of H1N1 influenza, which contains parts of the swine, avian, and human influenza virus, was first seen in March 2009 in Mexico. Cases of human infection with this type of virus have been seen around the world. Symptoms of infection with the swine H1N1 flu virus are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue; vomiting and diarrhea have also been common, which differs from seasonal influenza. The virus can be spread by coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth. It is not possible to become infected with swing H1N1 influenza by eating pork. You are considered contagious beginning one day before symptoms appear until at least 24 hours after your fever (100 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) has resolved (without taking anti-fever medications). Children and people with a weakened immune system may be contagious for more than seven days. If you think you could be infected with the swine H1N1 flu virus, do not go to work or school to avoid spreading your illness. You do not have to see a healthcare provider unless you develop worrisome symptoms.
Avian Flu - Avian influenza (bird flu) is caused by a strain of influenza virus that originally infected birds. Infected birds include chickens, ducks geese and other migratory birds. More recently, the infection has been found in cats and dogs that were probably infected after eating birds. There are several strains of avian flu; strain H5N1 virus is the cause of recent concern since it has resulted in several deaths, mostly in Asia. To date, avian flu has primarily spread from bird-to-bird, and much less commonly form bird-to-human; human-to-human transmission has occurred rarely. Most humans who became infected with avian flu had direct contact with sick or dead poultry . A major concern with avian flu is that it is a severe form of the flu and there is little natural resistance in the population. A vaccine has been developed to prevent avian flu. The vaccine is not commercially available, but has been stockpiled by the US government in case it is needed in the future.
Seasonal Flu Symptoms - Symptoms of the seasonal flu can vary from person to person, but usually include a fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue; cough and sore throat may also be present. People with the flu usually have fevers for two to five days, in contrast to fevers caused by other upper respiratory viruses that usually resolve after 24-48 hours. Some people experience cold-like symptoms during the flu while others have fever and muscle aches. Flu symptoms usually improve over two to five days, although the illness may last for a week or more. Weakness and fatigue may persist for several weeks. Complications of influenza occur in some people; pneumonia is the most common. Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs, and is more likely to occur in people over the age of 65, residents of long term care facilities, and those with underlying illnesses such as diabetes or conditions affecting the heart or lungs. Influenza is usually diagnosed based on the typical symptoms (fever, cough and muscle aches). Laboratory testing for influenza is performed in selected cases, such as during a new influenza outbreak in a community.
Flu Treatment
When to seek help - Most people with the flu recover within one to two weeks without treatment. However, serious complications of the flu can occur. If you develop any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness when standing, not passing
urine, or, in infants, lack of tears when crying
- Confusion or less responsiveness than usual
- Seizures or convulsions
- Severe vomiting or unable to keep fluids down
Treat symptoms - Treating the symptoms of influenza can help you feel better, but will not shorten the duration of the flu.
- Rest until the flu is fully resolved, especially if the illness has been
severe.
- Fluids - Drink enough fluids so that you do not become dehydrated.
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol and other brands) to relieve fever,
headache, and muscle aches. Aspirin, and medicines that include
aspirin should be avoided in children under 18, because it can lead to
a serious disease called Reye syndrome
- Cough suppressants are not usually helpful; cough usually resolves
without treatment. We do not recommend cough or cold medicine for
children under age 6.
Flu Prevention - The best way of preventing influenza is by getting the flu shot. We recommend this be done in September thru November.
Influenza is spread by contact with infected respiratory secretions (from coughing, sneezing, or phlegm). People infected with the flu should limit face to face contact with uninfected family and friends. Hand washing with soap and water or alcohol -based hand rubs can reduce spread. The mouth and nose should be covered while coughing or sneezing, and tissues should be disposed of immediately.
A second shot will be required for prevention of H1N1.
Both the seasonal flu and H1N1 will have an injectable and nasal spray forms. The shot is APPROVED for adults and children 6 months and older no matter what their health status is as long as they are not allergic to eggs. The nasal spray is for HEALTHY children 24 months and older and HEALTHY adults up to 49 years.
Remember that your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. Because no two people are exactly alike and recommendations can vary from one person to another, it is important to seek guidance from a provider who is familiar with your individual situation.
