Roscoe Wilson Elementary

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

	5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
	more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
	about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

	fever (usually high)
	headache
	extreme tiredness
	dry cough
	sore throat

	runny or stuffy nose
	muscle aches
	Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. There are two types of vaccines:

	The "flu shot" – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
	The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

	*Avoid close contact.* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
	*Stay home when you are sick.* If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
	*Cover your mouth and nose.* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
	*Clean your hands.* Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
	*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.* Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.