|
. | The Flu
The flu, or influenza, is often the term used for many illnesses such as stomach upsets or colds. However, the flu is caused by a specific influenza virus and is a potentially serious infection. It is often accompanied by high fever, chills, headache, cough, and muscle and joint pain.
The flu virus can be spread in many different ways. It's an airborne virus that travels in a sneeze or cough. During flu season (from December to March), the air in crowded areas such as buses and schools contains the influenza virus. You can also catch the flu from direct contact with an infected person by holding hands (that are contaminated with the virus) or kissing. The flu virus lives for hours in dried mucous on doorknobs, telephones, faucets or wherever infected people have been. Once a flu bug enters a community, it spreads rapidly. An outbreak may last four to eight weeks.
People most at risk for getting the flu are school age children and older adults above age 65. The flu is a leading cause of death among this older age group. Receiving the flu vaccine could save approximately 85% of these lives. Health Canada recommends an annual vaccine for those at risk - particularly seniors, those prone to lung and heart problems, and people with weakened immune systems and their families. The best timing for flu shots is the end of September to mid-November.
If you do get the flu, it usually passes in 3 to 7 days. You are the most contagious just before you get sick until about one day after your temperature is back to normal (usually about four days). Younger children are infectious for seven days because they have immature immune systems.
Remember, if you go to work or school while you are ill, you are spreading the virus and prolonging your own illness. The earliest you or your child should go back is the first day your temperature returns to normal. You will be weak and tired, so plan a gradual return to normal activities. If this feeling lasts more than a few weeks, see your health care practitioner. It may be something other than the flu.
There is no treatment for the flu. Do the things that will make you feel better and help your body build immunity. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and loosen congestion. Take fluids in small sips throughout the day to prevent vomiting. Dilute juice with water to prevent diarrhea. Ginger ale should be flat as the carbonation may cause nausea. Give acetaminophen, aspirin (not recommended for children) or ibuprofen for fevers. Naps and rest periods are important for flu sufferers.
Call your health practitioner if you have any of the five warning signs of complications:
1. Wheezing, problems breathing or production of green or yellow phlegm.
2. Vomiting that lasts more than a day.
3. Fever that lasts more than four days, or a fever that reoccurs.
4. Difficulty swallowing.
5. Earache in one or both ears.
To help prevent the flu, there are some basic steps you can take besides getting vaccinated. Wash your hands vigorously with soap and water frequently. Get enough sleep and follow Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Avoid crowds in flu season if you are stressed and overtired. In simple terms...take care of yourself!
Back to Information Centre | |
The Flu
