Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of flu can begin about 2 days after the virus enters the body and can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people experience vomiting and diarrhea.

How Flu Spreads

Flu is spread person to person. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins.  Most 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 Most At Risk

• Adults 65 years and older

• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• Pregnant people
• Children younger than 5

Complications Associated With The Flu

Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications such as:

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• Dehydration

More serious complications include:

• Heart failure
• Worsening Asthma
• Death

For more information on seasonal influenza (flu) visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Flight Flu, Get Vaccinated

Getting your flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself against flu viruses! Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths on the health care system each year. Everyone 6 month and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October!

There are many ways to get your flu shot. If you have a primary care provider, you can get your vaccine from them! Local pharmacies are also administering flu vaccines. You can also receive your flu shot from CCHHS in our clinic or at a community event!