Flu Season is Upon Us!

Learn how to protect you and your family from the Flu this year.
Influenza Vaccine

The Flu is coming to Ferguson! The virus has started appeared regionally as of now in Pennsylvania and it is important to learn how to better protect yourself and others. The short answer? Get a flu shot as soon as possible.

All About Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times lead to death. It is important to distinguish the flu from a cold. The flu comes on suddenly and you can experience the following symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults
  • Some complications from the flu can include:
    • Bacterial pneumonia 
    • Ear infections
    • Sinus infections
    • Worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes

Children are most likely to get sick from flu and people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from influenza. However, if someone 65 or older gets sick from flu, it can be much more severe.

Influenza is spread by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season. 

People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after the illness begins. They may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 - 7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Recovery from the flu takes anywhere from a few day to less than 2 weeks unless there are complications.

Emergency Warning Signs

People experiencing these warning signs should obtain medical care right away.

  • In Children
    • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    • Bluish lips or face
    • Ribs pulling in with each breath
    • Chest pain
    • Severe muscle pain
    • Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
    • Less alert
    • Seizures
    • Fever above 104°F
    • Any Fever in children less than 12 weeks old
    • Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
    • Worsening of chronic medical conditions
  • In Adults
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    • Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
    • Seizures
    • Not urinating
    • Severe muscle pain
    • Severe weakness or unsteadiness
    • Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
    • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

Prevention

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from Influenza is getting a flu vaccine every flu season. The CDC recommends you get your flu shot before Thanksgiving but you can get it up through January or later.

During the 2016 - 2017 season, vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations. 

Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines need to be renewed each flu season.

Flu vaccines are offered in many doctors' offices and clinics as well as health departments, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, health centers, and travel clinics. Other options may include your school, college health center, or workplace. 

More detailed information on Influenza can be found below. So get a flu shot, wash your hands, and protect you and your family this season!