Flu or Influenza

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Each year thousands of people in the United States die from the flu and more are hospitalized. The flu is a contagious disease caused by influenza viruses, that spreads usually between October through May. Anyone can catch the flu, but infants, young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system are at the greatest risk.  

The flu vaccine prevents illnesses, flu-related hospitalizations and doctor visits each year.  The CDC reports during the 2018-2019 influenza season there were more than 35.5 million flu cases with more than 16.5 million medical visits, 490,600 hospitalizations, and 34,200 deaths. The best way to prevent flu is to get the vaccine!

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can be spread to others up to about 6 feet away. The flu is spread airborne when an infected person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. Another way a person might get the flu is by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes. 

Those with the flu are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after being exposed. A person can infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after. 

The common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Headache
• Runny nose. 

Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than in adults. 

These symptoms can begin about 2 days after the virus has entered the body. This means the flu can easily spread before you know you are sick. 

The flu is a virus, which means it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can only be used for a bacterial infection. Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can lessen symptoms, reduce the severity, and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. However, antivirals are only effective if started within 48 hours of first symptoms of the flu.

Some flu complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections which can be worse with certain medical conditions. Those with asthma, heart disease, history of a stroke, diabetes, HIV or AIDS, cancer, or chronic kidney disease, are at high risk of developing serious flu. High risk individuals especially need to receive their flu vaccine to reduce their risk of getting sick. 

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive a vaccine every flu season, especially those who are at high risk. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination.

Other ways to prevent the flu is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, staying home when you are sick, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

All three are contagious respiratory illnesses that share many symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart based on symptoms alone. However, all three are caused by different viruses. Testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose and usually do not result in serious health problems. 

COVID-19 can also have the symptom of a change in or loss of taste or smell. Typically, a person with COVID-19 will develop symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days or as late as 14 days after infection. There is currently no COVID-19 vaccine available. It is important to follow CDC guidance to protect yourself from this virus. The flu vaccine will not cover for COVID-19 since the two are caused by different viruses.