Understanding Influenza

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.  It is spread by droplets released in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, yawns or even talks.  It can also be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface.  Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times may even lead to death.  Although it can affect people of all ages, the older population, children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions are the worse affected.  Complications of the flu(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.htm#complications) can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm) each year.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this years’ seasonal flu epidemic is especially severe and it is recommended that anyone over the age of 6 months get vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated not only protects us, but also our vulnerable clients that we provide care to.   While vaccination does not eliminate the possibility of contracting influenza, studies have shown that it can reduce the severity and duration of the virus.
The time from when a person is exposed to the flu virus and infected, to when symptoms begin is about 1 to 4 days, with an average of about 48 hours. 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. Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins,  some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.  .

In addition to being vaccinated, the CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses.  If you get the flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option.  When used for treatment, antiviral drugs(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm) can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia.(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm)
Flu Prevention Tips

• Avoid being face to face with the sick person.  If possible, it is best to spend the least amount of time in close contact with a sick person.
• When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.
• Wash your hands(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/) often and right away as the virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Make sure to wash your hands after touching a sick person and after handling their tissues or laundry.
• Cover your sneezes with a tissue or cough in your sleeve.
• Practice good health habits by exercising, getting adequate sleep and rest, eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of fluids.

Washing our hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them in most situations.  However, if soap and water are not available, using an alcohol based hand sanitizer can eliminate some types of germs.
Review of correct handwashing technique:

• Wet hands with clean running water
• Apply soap, rub hands together and lather between fingers and under fingernails for at least 15 seconds
• Rinse hand well under running water
• Dry hands using a clean towel
• Remember, when hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water

Steps to Take if You Get the Flu

• If you get very sick, are pregnant, or are 65 years or older, or are otherwise at high risk of flu-related complications(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm), call your doctor. You might need antiviral drugs to treat the flu.
• Stay at home and rest.
• Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you won’t make them sick.
• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).

​By Jennifer Kennedy, RN

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