AllOne HealthSM encourages everyone to learn and understand the facts about influenza, commonly called the flu. When you are well-informed, you can take actions that protect your and your family’s health. Use the information on this page as a resource to stay updated and proactive this flu season.
In a typical year, seasonal flu kills about 36,000 people in the United States – nearly all of them older than 65 with underlying health problems. H1N1 is the name of another flu virus that is infecting people throughout the world, thus the reason it is often called a pandemic. H1N1 strikes hardest at children and young adults who lack the immunity to the strain that older people seem to have. And though only a small number of those infected are likely to get seriously ill, almost one-third of those who die may be otherwise healthy.
Flu viruses spread from human to human by droplets from coughing and sneezing. Despite its origins as swine flu, eating pork will not cause an H1N1 illness. Flu season is here now, and it’s important that you consider taking the following measures to decrease your chance of catching the flu:
- The seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are recommended for most individuals, according to the CDC. Talk to your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
- Avoid crowded areas, when possible.
- When possible, keep your distance (more than 6 feet) from people who have the flu.
If you get the flu, be prepared to stay home until your fever is gone for 24 hours without medicine. Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Most people will get better in 7—10 days. If you are pregnant or have a chronic disease, you should seek medical attention in the first 48 hours of the flu. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical care:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Be sure you use good resources for facts, such as this website and other trusted sites, like the CDC and Flu.gov.