How is it spread?
Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and talking. It is also spread through contact with unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces, or toys and eating utensils that have been contaminated with the influenza virus. Once infected, a person may spread the influenza virus to others before she/he develops symptoms and up to 5 days after the symptoms start, children up to 7 days. Because influenza is so common in children and they can spread the virus for a long time even after feeling well, children are considered an important source of community outbreaks.
What do I look for?
People who get influenza have a cough and fever. Children may have a dry cough and higher fever. Other symptoms often include chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Influenza symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after being infected and last from 5 to 10 days. The cough and fatigue can persist for several weeks. Symptoms in babies may be very general including fussiness, runny or stuffy nose, irritability, and changes in feeding. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur and are more common in children than adults.
How is it treated?
Antibiotics have no effect against a viral illness like influenza but there are medications called antivirals which can be used for the early treatment of the flu. If your doctor prescribes them within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, they may reduce the length of your illness by an average of one or two days. If you get the flu, you should stay home and increase the amount of fluids you drink (water, juice, soups) and rest you get (seven to ten days) until you recover. Aches and fever can be treated with over the counter medication such as acetaminophen. Children should not be given acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Wait until you are feeling better before getting your flu shot.
How can I protect myself?
While healthy eating, adequate sleep and physical activity may help to maintain general good health, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from the flu are to:
