The
Flu (Influenza)
PDF Version
Spanish Version
The flu is an illness caused by a
virus. Like a cold, it attacks the
nose, throat, and lungs. The flu
can sometimes lead to other
problems like pneumonia, ear and
sinus problems, dehydration, and
worsening of asthma. For most
of us, the flu will go away in 1 to 2
weeks.
How can I
catch the flu?
- The flu is passed
from person to person by coughing and sneezing.
- A person can also get the flu by
touching something with the flu
virus on it and then touching their
mouth or nose.
What are the
signs of the flu?
- fever
- cough
- tiredness
- sore
throat
- headache
and muscle ache
- runny
or stuffy nose
- Throwing up or diarrhea (more
common in children)
Who is most at risk for getting
the flu?
Everyone is at risk for getting the
flu, but for some people the flu can
cause serious illness. Those most at
risk include:
- People aged 65
years and older.
- Pregnant women.
- Very young children.
- People who live
in nursing homes and other health care facilities.
- Adults and children (6 months
and older) who have heart or lung
disease, including asthma.
- Adults and children (6 months and
older) who have diabetes, kidney,
or blood problems.
- People with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or
any condition that makes it harder
to fight off disease.
- Children and teens
(aged 6 months to 18 years) that take aspirin for a long time.
- People who live in nursing homes
and other health care facilities.
- Workers in hospitals or clinics who
are around lots of people who
have the flu. These people should
contact their doctor or clinic if
they have flu-like symptoms.
What can I do to keep from getting
the flu?
There is no way to make sure that
you won’t get the flu. But there are
some steps you can take to lower
your chances:
- Get a flu shot or spray every year
in the fall before flu season starts.
- Wash your hands often with soap
and water.
- Ask your doctor or clinic about
other drugs that can keep you
from getting the flu.
What kind of vaccine can I get?
There are two kinds:
- The “flu shot” is made from a dead
flu virus and is given as a shot,
usually in the arm. The flu shot can
be used in people older than 6
months of age.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine is made from a
live flu virus and is given through the nose. It
can be used in healthy people between the
ages of 5 to 49 years.
- People who are allergic to eggs or who have
had a reaction to the flu shot or vaccine
should not be given the flu shot or nasal flu
spray. Also, talk to your doctor if you have a
history of Guillain-Barre’ syndrome.
How well does
the flu shot work?
- The shot prevents
the flu in 70% to 90% of young, healthy adults.
- The shot doesn’t do as well at preventing
flu in older adults and people with certain
medical problems. But the shot does reduce
the number of these people who die or need
a hospital stay because of the flu.
How well does nasal spray vaccine work?
- This new vaccine can lower your chances
of getting the flu. Children 5 to 8 years old
need two doses at least 6 weeks apart in
their first year of getting the FluMist, and
people ages 9 to 49 need one dose.
- FluMist should not be given to people with
asthma or other lung diseases. Children
under the age of 5 should not get the spray.
Are there drugs to treat the flu? Yes, there
are a number of products that may help you
feel better:
- Prescription medicines can lessen your
symptoms or the time you are sick with the flu. Your doctor or clinic will help you decide
whether these drugs are right for you.
- Over-the-counter medicines can help
with flu symptoms such as sore throat,
stuffy nose, cough, fever, and body aches.
However:
- Never give aspirin to children or teens who
might have the flu. It can cause serious
problems or even death. Call your doctor
or clinic first.
- If you already take prescription medicines,
ask your doctor or pharmacist which flu
medicines you can use safely. For example,
some over-the-counter flu products
have medicines to treat a stuffy nose
(decongestants), which can raise your
blood pressure or even make your blood
pressure medicines less effective.
- No medicine can take the place of the flu
vaccine.
- Many other diseases can feel like the flu, but
they need different treatments. Always go to
your doctor or clinic if you feel worse.
What should
I do if I get the flu?
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of water or other liquids like juice
and soup.
- Don’t spread your germs! Cover your mouth
when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands
often, and STAY HOME!
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
To
Learn More:
FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
Phone: 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)
Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs and Related Information
Office
of Women's Health
www.fda.gov/womens
2007
|