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The flu (also called influenza) is an infection. It affects the respiratory system. It can cause mild to severe illness, and sometimes it can lead to death.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting vaccinated every year.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Each winter, the virus spreads around the world. The strains are usually different from one year to the next.
The two main kinds of influenza virus are Type A and Type B.
Someone infected with the virus may sneeze or cough. This releases droplets into the air. If you breathe in infected droplets, you can become infected. You can also become infected through touch. If you touch a contaminated surface, you may transfer the virus from your hand to your mouth or nose.
Factors that increase your chances of the flu include:
Factors that increase the risk of developing complications from flu:
If you have the flu, you might infect others one day before symptoms start and up to five days (sometimes more) after you become sick. This means you may be infecting others even before you know you are sick.
Symptoms usually start abruptly. They may include:
You may start to feel better in 7-10 days, but you may still have a cough and feel tired.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of the flu is usually based on symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor may take samples from your nose or throat to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment may include:
Most people with the flu do not need antiviral medicine. If you have the flu, check with your doctor to see if you need antiviral medicine. You will need it if you are in a high-risk group or if you have a severe illness (like breathing problems).
Antiviral medicines generally may help relieve symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. They must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.
Antiviral medicines include:
Oseltamivir (and perhaps zanamivir) may increase the risk of self-injury and confusion shortly after taking, especially in children. Children should be closely monitored for signs of unusual behavior.
It is important to get plenty of rest when your body is fighting the flu.
Drink a lot of liquids. This can include water, juice, and caffeine-free tea.
These medications are used to control fever and to treat aches and pains. Adults can use:
Decongestants are available as pills or nasal sprays. If you use a nasal spray, don't use it longer than 3-5 days. You may experience an increase in congestion when you stop using the spray. This is called rebound.
These include:
Elderberry extract may reduce flu symptoms. Researchers found that products containing elderberry, like Sambucol and ViraBLOC, decreased symptoms in some studies. But be aware that herbal remedies are not regulated by the government. So the herbal supplements that you buy may not have the same ingredients as those studied and they may contain impurities (things that should not be in the product).
If you are diagnosed with the flu, follow your doctor's instructions .
The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get vaccinated. You will need to get vaccinated each year since the virus changes every season. Two forms of the vaccine are available: a flu shot (injection) and a nasal spray (FluMist). You should get vaccinated between September and January (or later since the flu season can last much longer). The nasal spray is currently approved for healthy, non-pregnant people aged 2-49 years old.
People who care for those with severely weakened immune systems should not get the nasal spray. Instead they should get the flu shot. ( NOTE: The flu shot is not effective against pandemic H1N1 flu . You must get the pandemic H1N1 flu vaccine to help prevent the H1N1 flu.)
Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should consider the vaccine. Those who should get a yearly flu vaccine:
It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to protect you against the flu.
There are people, however, who should not be vaccinated:
There are general measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting the flu:
Talk to your doctor about lowering the risk of getting the flu for you or your child (one year or older) with antiviral medications (eg, zanamivir). You may want to consider this, especially if you are:
If you have the flu and live with someone who is at risk for complications (eg, elderly, babies, someone with cancer), that person should get antiviral medications to prevent getting the flu from you.
Remember that these medications are not a substitute for getting vaccinated. Vaccination is still the best way of preventing the flu.
If you have the flu, take these steps to avoid spreading it to others:
Last reviewed October 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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