The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. 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 vaccine each year.
Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization, including among children and older adults. Additionally, a vaccination may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
Flu Symptoms
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Runny Nose
Flu Facts
- Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
- The first and most important step in preventing the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.
- The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about 1 to 4 days, with an average of about 2 days.
Finally…
Most people who get influenza will recover in several days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications as a result of the flu. A wide range of complications can be caused by influenza virus infection of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages, throat) and lower respiratory tract (lungs). While anyone can get sick with flu and become severely ill, some people are more likely to experience severe flu illness. Young children, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are among those groups of people who are at high risk of serious flu complications, possibly requiring hospitalization and sometimes resulting in death. For example, people with chronic lung disease are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
Star Wellness makes keeping the workplace healthy and productive simple, with flu shot clinics set up at your business and easily accessible to employees. Contact us to schedule your flu shot.
(Some information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
