Influenza, the illness most people just call the flu, is a viral infection of the breathing passages. It spreads easily from person to person and can involve the nose, throat and lungs. It makes millions of Americans ill in a typical year.
How it shows up, and who is more at risk
Symptoms often arrive all at once. They may include a fever or a feverish feeling, chills, coughing, a sore throat, congestion, sore muscles, a headache and deep tiredness. Most people get well, but the illness can be serious or even fatal, especially for adults over 65, young children, newborns and people with certain long-term conditions such as heart disease or asthma.
The two types that usually circulate in people and drive the yearly wave are influenza A and influenza B.
The strongest protection, plus daily habits
The strongest protection is a flu vaccine every year. Everyday habits also help keep germs from spreading: cover a cough, and wash your hands often. Lather with soap under the tap for a full 20 seconds, including before you eat.
If you do get sick
Anyone with a mild case should remain at home and keep away from other people, except to get medical care. If symptoms appear and you are in a higher-risk group, feel very sick, or are worried, call a clinician. Antiviral drugs can ease the illness and shorten it, and they usually work best if started within two days of getting sick. They can also help prevent dangerous complications.
Filed under: Washington DC Health News
