Influenza (Flu)Influenza (Flu)

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Equine influenza virus

WHAT IS THE FLU WHAT IS THE FLU The flu is caused by the The flu is caused by the influenza virusinfluenza virus, which , which

targets the respiratory tract by binding to the targets the respiratory tract by binding to the surface of cells. When the cell dies, those surface of cells. When the cell dies, those copies are released into the body, infecting copies are released into the body, infecting other cells. other cells.

Flu symptoms are unpleasant, but not life-Flu symptoms are unpleasant, but not life-threatening by themselves. However, the flu threatening by themselves. However, the flu weakens the immune system, making the body weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to more serious infections, such as vulnerable to more serious infections, such as pneumonia. pneumonia.

Because the flu is caused by a virus -- as Because the flu is caused by a virus -- as opposed to bacteria -- opposed to bacteria -- antibiotics are not an antibiotics are not an effective treatmenteffective treatment. .

Both the flu and the common cold are best Both the flu and the common cold are best treated by bed rest, consuming lots of fluids, treated by bed rest, consuming lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication to ease and taking over-the-counter medication to ease symptoms until the virus runs its course. symptoms until the virus runs its course.

Be Aware of Common Flu Be Aware of Common Flu SymptomsSymptoms

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:include the following symptoms:

Fever (usually high) Fever (usually high) Headache Headache Tiredness (can be extreme) Tiredness (can be extreme) Cough Cough Sore throat Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Body aches Diarrhea and vomiting (more common Diarrhea and vomiting (more common

among children than adults) among children than adults)

Having these symptoms does not Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar the common cold, can have similar symptoms.symptoms.

Know the Risks from the FluKnow the Risks from the Flu

In some people, the flu can cause In some people, the flu can cause serious complications, including serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children failure, asthma or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.problems and ear infections.

Know How the Flu SpreadsKnow How the Flu Spreads

The flu usually spreads from person to The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Healthy adults may be able to infect others Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 1 day before day before getting symptoms and up to getting symptoms and up to 5 5 days after days after getting sick. Therefore, it is getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are know you are sick as well as while you are sick.sick.

Protection against the FluProtection against the Flu

The single best way to protect The single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year. is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Habits for Good HealthHabits for Good Health Cover your nose and mouth Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you with a tissue when you

cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and waterWash your hands often with soap and water, , especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.them from getting sick too.

If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness.from catching your illness.

Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs Germs often spread this way. often spread this way.

Antiviral MedicationsAntiviral Medications

Your doctor may recommend use of an Your doctor may recommend use of an antiviral medicationantiviral medication to help treat the flu. to help treat the flu. These are prescription medications, and These are prescription medications, and a doctor should be consulted before the a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used. Antiviral treatment lasts drugs are used. Antiviral treatment lasts for 5 days and must be started within 2 for 5 days and must be started within 2 days of illness. Therefore, if you get flu-days of illness. Therefore, if you get flu-like symptoms, seek medical care early.like symptoms, seek medical care early.

Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir, and oseltamivir) rimantadine, zanamavir, and oseltamivir) are approved for treatment of the flu. are approved for treatment of the flu.

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