What is Influenza?
The flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by viruses A or B. It effects the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems. The flu lasts couple weeks but can be life threatening.
Facts:
- The flu is highly contagious
- It can last 1-2 weeks and recover or can be life threatening
- Reasons why healthy people are dying from the flu is due to the immune system fighting the flu can end in shock, in organ failure and death
- The issue with the pneumonia and the dangers of it is that once your body fights the flu for the 4-5 days you feel better but then suddenly get really sick again in which is the bacterial pneumonia and this is what causes hospitalization or death
- The flu vaccine is 60% effective but those who have received the vaccine and do get the flu are the cases least likely to be at risk of hospitalization or death
- 34 million people having been infected with the flu virus
Those most at risk include:
- Very young, under 5
- Older than 65
- pregnant
- Those with an underlying illness
- Those with compromised immune system
Symptoms/warning signs to look for in children:
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing
- Cyonotic skin (bluish skin)
- Unable to hold down fluids
- Lethargic or difficulty arousing
- Pneumonia
Symptoms/warning signs to look for adults:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen/stomach
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe vomiting
What can you do to prevent the risk of contracting the flu:
- Hand washing as often as possible
- Getting vaccinated with the flu vaccine
- Staying away from anyone who may or does have the flu