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 Mary Spurrell, infection control practitioner with Fauquier Health, notes key facts about the flu.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.
How flu spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
Period of contagiousness
You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning oney before symptoms develop, and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
How serious is the flu?
Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and those who live in facilities like nursing homes.
Who should not be vaccinated against seasonal flu?
Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. They include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
- People with a history of Guillian-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza. Children younger than six months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
- People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
Help stop the spread of germs this cold and flu season. Its that time of year, please be vigilant about wiping down your equipment after exercising with our disinfectant spray. The very best way to stop the spread of germs is to wash your hands and/or use our antibacterial gel located throughout the facility.
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