Flu is a viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Every year seasonal flu appears in our community. There are many strains of the flu virus.

2. What are the symptoms of flu?

The main symptoms are fever (usually over 100.5 F) and cough, sore throat, runny nose. Other common symptoms are feeling tired, muscle aches and pains, headaches, drop in appetite and activity level, and some people have vomiting and diarrhea. The fever can last 3-5 days, the runny nose 1- 2 weeks and cough as long as 2 weeks.

3. What is the difference between the flu and a cold?

Both flu and a cold can cause runny nose and cough; however fever is always present with the flu, the onset of symptoms is more abrupt and symptoms are more severe. The fever with the flu can last 3-5 days. Usually a fever (<100.5 F) with a cold will go away in 1 to 3 days.

4. What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

H1N1 is a new strain of flu that presented in the spring of 2009. Currently, this strain causes the same symptoms as the regular "seasonal" flu strains, but can be more dangerous in children than seasonal flu, especially if they have underlying respiratory, cardiac, or immune problems. The H1N1 strain is part of the seasonal flu vaccine for 2010-2011.

5. How is flu spread and how can I protect myself?

The flu virus (seasonal and H1N1) is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. Virus can stay contagious on surfaces for up to 4 hours. Covering your cough and sneezes, frequently washing your hands with soap and water, keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoiding contact with sick people are the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Alcohol gel sanitizers (Purell, etc) work well and can be used when washing is not possible. They are most effective when left on the hands to air dry, without wiping off. A person is assumed to be contagious from 1 day prior to 7 days after the fever starts. After exposure, a person will likely come down with the seasonal flu in 1-3 days and the H1N1 flu within 4-6 days.

6. Who is "high risk"?

In general, people are mildly ill with the flu for 5-7 days and get better on their own; however for some people the flu virus can cause more severe illness. Complications can include pneumonia, respiratory distress, dehydration, Reye's syndrome (an uncommon compilcation involving the liver), myositis (muscle pain) encephalitis (brain infection), myocarditis (heart infection), and in rare cases death. Seasonal Flu - infants and children under 5 years of age, elderly persons over 65, and pregnant women are at higher risk for complications from the flu. Other high risk patients include those with heart problems, asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, neurologic diseases, muscle diseases, sickle cell disease, kidney disease, cancer, immunosupression, HIV and diseases requiring long term aspirin therapy such as Rheumatoid arthritis or Kawasaki disease.

7.Who should get the flu vaccine?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine is available.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications: 

1. Pregnant women
2. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
1. Health care workers
2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
3. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Vaccine: Flu Shot or Nasal Spray?

8. How is flu treated? Do Antibiotics work?

Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics will not cure the flu or shorten the course of the illness, nor will they prevent the complications of the flu. Antibiotics are only used for patients who have secondary bacterial infections. Antiviral medications (i.e. Tamiflu, Relenza, Amantadine, Rimantadine) are indicated for treatment and prevention of flu in HIGH-RISK patients only. (see above.) For best results, it needs to be started within 48 hours of the onset of fever. These medicines are not used for everyone because they can have side effects, and overuse of them will cause resistance. Some resistance to H1N1 has already been reported. Symptomatic treatment - plenty of fluids, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (motrin, advil) for fever and aches/pains. Cold medications are not recommended. Use of saline (salt water - ½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) nasal wash and suction, if tolerated, may help.

9. When should my child be seen?

Most children will tolerate the flu very well. However, your child should be seen if your child has the following symptoms:

All HIGH-RISK patients who have symptoms of flu should be seen.

Fever > 100.5 if < 4 months of age;

Fever > 101.0 if 4 - 12 months of age;

Fever > 103.0 if > 1 year of age;

Fever that goes away over 24 hours and then returns;

Ear pain or ear discharge; Fast or difficult breathing;

Severe cough or wheezing;

Nasal discharge lasting more than 2 weeks;

Cough lasting more than 3 weeks

10. When can my child return to day care or school?

Stay home from day care, school, or work for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLU

WWW.CDC.GOV/FLU