Preventing the flu is a public health priority since it has a profound impact annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5 percent to 20 percent of U.S. residents get the flu annually. The flu results in loss of work, productivity and school days for many persons, since symptoms can be severe and contagious. In addition to individual consequences, the flu has an impact on the medical system due to complications and hospitalizations.
Individual Consequences
Getting the flu is an unpleasant experience for persons who contract it. Most people who get the flu have symptoms such as a high fever, muscle weakness, fatigue, a sore throat and nasal congestion. The symptoms come on suddenly and can prevent one from performing their normal activities. This results in missed days at work or school. Persons with severe symptoms or that are at high risk for developing complications may need to go on prescription medications, while others recover at home. Persons who are sick with the flu should stay home when they are sick until they do not have a fever for at least twenty four hours and are no longer symptomatic. This helps to prevent the spread of the flu. Individual prevention measures for the flu can include washing hands properly, staying away from persons who are sick with the flu and living a healthy lifestyle that includes eating and sleeping properly.
Complications of the Flu
The flu can result in different complications, especially for the elderly, young children, those with immunity problems and those with chronic health conditions. Some complications of the flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, or exacerbations of respiratory conditions. Some chronic health conditions that can be exacerbated or made worse by the flu include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Unfortunately for some, complications can be serious and deadly.
Hospitalizations and Deaths
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. Every year for 30 years until 2006, 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people die from the flu. The flu vaccine should be considered especially in high risk populations that are at risk for hospitalization and death. These include the elderly, very young children and those with chronic medical conditions. Persons that are high risk for complications should consider taking the flu vaccine.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Seasonal Influenza
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Seasonal Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States
- MedlinePlus: Flu
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Estimating Seasonal Influenza-Associated Deaths in the United States: CDC Study Confirms Variability of Flu
- Flu.gov: People with Health Conditions
