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Influenza (Flu)

A serious infection of the nose, throat and lungs that can be easily prevented by a vaccine

Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

  • Symptoms
    • Sudden high fever, chills, and body aches
    • Cough, sore throat, and runny nose
    • Fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain
    • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
    • Symptoms appear 1-4 days after exposure and last about a week
  • Serious Complications
    • Pneumonia (a leading cause of flu-related deaths)
    • Worsening of chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease
    • Brain inflammation (encephalitis) and heart complications
    • Rhabdomyolysis (Rhabdo) is a serious condition where muscle breakdown releases harmful proteins into the bloodstream, potentially causing kidney failure
    • Young children, older adults, and pregnant women are most at risk
  • The Deadly History of the Flu
    • 4-6 million people die from the flu worldwide each year
    • The 1918 flu pandemic killed 50-100 million people, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history.
  • Prevention & Treatment
    • The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent infection and severe illness.
    • Antiviral medications can help if taken within 72 hours of symptom onset, but they have side effects such as stomach ache, vomiting, headache, nightmares, mood changes
    • Rest, fluids, and fever reducers help manage symptoms.
  • Flu Vaccine Myths & Facts
    • The flu shot does NOT cause the flu – It is made from inactivated or weakened virus that cannot make you sick.
    • You are not “addicted” to the flu shot – The flu virus mutates constantly, so we need an updated vaccine every year to stay protected against new strains.
    • Even in years that the flu vaccine is a poor match, it can reduce your risk of hospitalization by 60-70%

The Flu vaccines remain the best protection against influenza. Stay protected. Stay informed.

 

Here is a video that goes into more detail about Influenza.