Influenza

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season in the United States usually ranges from November through March, and sometimes into early spring. Flu or influenza is caused by viruses, which infect the nose, throat and lungs. (Read about "Respiratory System") Flu is also very contagious. CDC says a person can spread the flu starting one day before he or she even feels sick, and continue to pass the flu virus to others for several days after symptoms start. Those symptoms can include:

• fever
• chills
• dry cough
• muscle aches
• extreme fatigue

In addition, there may be a sore throat, headache and nasal congestion. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes accompany the flu as well, although CDC says these are not the primary symptoms of the flu. (Read about "Diarrhea") What people may call the "stomach flu" is actually gastroenteritis. (Read about "Gastroenteritis")

Most people can recover from the flu in a week or two. But that doesn't mean flu should be taken lightly. Potential complications from the flu are serious and can include bronchitis or pneumonia. (Read about "Acute Bronchitis" "Pneumonia") Left untreated these complications can be life threatening. These kinds of complications become especially serious for infants, young children and as we get older. (Read about "Baby & Young Child Care" "Seniors and Flu")

Although you can't always avoid people who have the flu, you can talk to your doctor about flu shots. Flu shots are available for everyone, even children as young as 6 months old. CDC recommends a flu shot yearly for most people. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says it is even more important for people in certain high risk groups to consider flu shots, including those who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, people with chronic heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, anemia or immune system problems including AIDS, and people over the age of 50. (Read about "Coronary Heart Disease" "Respiratory System" "Diabetes" "Kidney Disease" "Anemia" "The Immune System" "HIV / AIDS") The American Lung Association (ALA) says that people with asthma (Read about "Asthma") should also consider getting a flu shot. AAFP says if you do want a flu shot, the time to think about getting it is October and November.

There are some people who should not get flu shots. ALA says people who are allergic to eggs or any component of the vaccine should not get the vaccination. (Read about "Food Allergies" "Allergies") That's because the viral material in flu vaccines is grown in eggs. In addition, people currently suffering from an acute illness and/or fever should wait until fully recovered before receiving the vaccine.

Flu vaccine is normally given by a shot in the arm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved a nasal mist as a flu vaccine. The nasal mist should not be taken by people with compromised immune systems, according to FDA, and may not be safe for people over the age of 50 or for people with asthma or other reactive airway diseases.

There are also prescription anti-viral medications that can be taken after flu symptoms appear. These medications can reduce the duration of your illness, but they must be taken soon after symptoms begin, within the first 48 to 72 hours. In some cases, medication can be used as a preventative; however, these medications are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. These medications also may not be effective against all strains of the flu. This class of drugs - called neuraminidase inhibitors - are available in different forms, including a liquid that is swallowed and a mist that is inhaled orally. The oral mist is not recommended for people with asthma, COPD or other airway diseases. (Read about "Asthma" "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease") These drugs are also not appropriate for people with compromised immune systems, infants and others. There are additional concerns about side effects which you should discuss with your doctor.

Source : Civista health