INFLUENZA 

Influenza, commonly called the “flu”, is an acute and highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention an estimated 10% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu each year and on an average more than 100,000 Americans are hospitalized and 36,000 people die with flu-related complications.

Yearly vaccination in the fall with the current influenza vaccine strains is the most effective means of prevention against the flu. There are also some antiviral medications available with a prescription from a physician that have been approved to protect individuals from becoming infected with the flu virus.

Good health habits such as thorough hand washing, eating well and getting plenty of rest may also help to avoid getting the flu.

Typically, symptoms of the flu include high fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.  Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be present- especially in children.

For more information on influenza and immunization please click on the following websites.

American Academy of Family Physicians

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases