Commonly known as the flu, influenza refers to illness caused by a number of different influenza viruses that can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. As is common with many illnesses that affect a wide range of people, there are many myths and misconceptions around the topic of the flu. In order to make wise choices, it is important to be fully educated about the facts--particularly when it comes to prevention and protection.
The Flu Should Not Be Taken Lightly
Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications. Flu.gov estimates that In a typical year, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu. Of these, 36,000 flu-related deaths occur.
The Pandemic Flu is Different from Seasonal Flu
A pandemic flu outbreak is different from a seasonal flu outbreak. Generally speaking, outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns that usually take place every year during the fall and winter. A pandemic can occur during any season and is rare. While most people develop some immunity over time to seasonal flu viruses, when a pandemic occurs, most people have had no previous exposure and, therefore, have little if any immunity. Last but not least, during a seasonal flu outbreak healthy people are usually at lower risk for developing complications. Not so during a pandemic, when healthy and those with compromised immune systems such as the very young and old are at risk.
The Flu is Contagious
The flu is highly contagious, which means you must take extra precautions not to catch it. Aside from immunization, washing your hands often with soap and water or using a hand disinfectant can help. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as these are the points of entry for most germs. Last but not least, try your best to stay away from sick people.
You Can Prevent the Flu From Spreading
In addition to frequent hand washing discussed earlier, it is particularly important to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. When you must cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue so the droplets do not spread into the air. If you are sick, stay home and away from others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Anti-viral Medication Can Help
Anti-viral medications like Tamiflu or Relenza are a huge weapon in the war on the flu. Not only can anti-virals help treat the flu and shorten the longevity of the symptoms, they can also help you avoid getting it. When someone close to you gets diagnosed with the flu, be sure to speak to your doctor to see if you can protect yourself by taking an anti-viral medication. If you come down with the flu, you must take anti-virals within the first 12 to 48 hours of experiencing symptoms to benefit from the medication.
Some People Should Not Get a Flu Vaccine
If your child is a newborn, if you have an egg allergy or have had past allergic reactions to the flu vaccine, it may be wise to avoid getting one. Instead, talk with your doctor about alternatives such as an anti-viral drug prescription.
A Flu Vaccine is Your Best Protection Against the Flu
Getting vaccinated every year is your best bet for avoiding the flu. Scientists make a different flu vaccine every year based on an educated guess on their knowledge of the flu virus strains that travel across the globe.
Children Need Two Vaccines
If a child is less than 8 years old and has never received a flu shot, Flufacts.com states they will need two separate doses in order to be fully immunized. The doses should be spread 1 month apart. Flu spray doses should be spread 6 weeks apart.
Flu Vaccines are Not Foolproof
The flu vaccine does not offer you a 100-percent guarantee that you will not contract the flu. Every so often a new strain appears after the vaccine has been produced, which means the seasonal flu vaccine does not cover it. Because of this, even if you do get the flu vaccine, you still may get infected. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that other factors are in play that may increase the chances of getting the flu, including age and health status.
It is Hard to Get the Flu from a Flu Vaccine
The CDC claims that the viruses in the flu shot are killed or inactive so it is impossible to get the flu from a flu shot. Although the flu viruses in the flu spray are live, they have been weakened, and in clinical cases, transmission of the flu was rare.
