INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
What is Influenza (also called Flu)?
What are Symptoms of the Flu?
Why Should I Get Vacinated?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
How Can I Tell If There Is A Flu Outbreak In My Area?
What is Influenza (also called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs. It can make you sick for a week or longer with coughing, fever, aching, and more. Influenza can also cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccination each season.
The flu can strike suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Tiredness (can be extreme)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
Note: These symptoms may not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
- You can spread the influenza virus to others even before you first experience symptoms. (If you are a caregiver for young children, the elderly, someone who is chronically ill or if you are a healthcare worker, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage you to seek a flu vaccination to protect those you care for as well as yourself.)
- 50 years old or older?* Even if you are active and in good health – you have a higher risk of complications if you get the flu.
- Living with chronic (ongoing) or long-term health problems?* You may look and feel healthy, but conditions that include diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or asthma increase your likelihood of complications from the flu. If your immune system is weakened by long-term problems such as cancer or HIV/AIDS, you need a flu vaccination.
- Pregnant during flu season?* Pregnant women are at risk of complications and hospitalization if they get the flu. The influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies.
- Children under 5 years old?* Children under 5 years old have a high risk of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to flu.
*These populations are considered “high risk” and are deemed most vulnerable to seasonal influenza.
- What types of flu vaccination can I receive? (For example: flu shot, nasal spray)
- When should I be vaccinated?
- What complications can develop from seasonal influenza?
- Who should not receive flu vaccine?
- Are there tests to determine if I really have the flu?
- What are my treatment options if I already have the flu virus?
How Can I Tell If There Is A Flu Outbreak In My Area?
You can track outbreaks of influenza through several resources offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Click here to view maps and weekly surveillance reports.
Click here to see complete CDC/ACIP recommendations
