Flu

Flu is an upper respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms of flu can include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. Flu is not the same as a bad cold. It can be dangerous. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make medical conditions worse.

In the United States, about 36,000 people (mostly over the age of 65) die each year from the flu.

The flu is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. Sometimes people get the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. This can happen at home, work, church or school -- anywhere that we share close space or touch the same things, like chairs and tables, doors, and shopping carts.

• Stay home.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Wait 24 hours after your fever has gone away before going out.
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or with your upper sleeve or the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Wash your hands often.

Everyone over 6 months old should get the flu vaccine each year. It is especially important for people who are more likely to get sick, and those who can spread the virus to others. This includes children between 6 months and 5 years old (especially children younger than 2); adults over 65; pregnant women; people with chronic medical conditions including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, cancer, and HIV; people who live in nursing homes; and health care workers. Those who live with or care for children less than 6 months of age should also get the vaccine.

Certain people should talk with a doctor before getting a flu vaccine. This includes people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu vaccine; people who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome; or anyone who has a fever.

Yes. The flu vaccine changes every year, to protect against new flu viruses that are expected. Last year's vaccine may not protect against this year's viruses.