 Important
Flu Information 
Carroll County vaccine info:
Flu Terms Defined:
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness
that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity,
and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or Bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses
that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic
fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity
and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is a virulent human flu that causes
a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little
natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently,
there is no pandemic flu.
Stay Healthy:
Make good hygiene a habit.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Put used tissues in the trash
- Cough or sneeze in your upper sleeve if you have no tissue
- Clean hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Stay at home if you are sick.
- Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty
of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also, include low-fat dairy
products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go
easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.
- Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.
Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms:
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Tiredness (may be extreme)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different
illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
Know the Risks from the Flu:
In some people, the flu can cause serious complications, including
bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of chronic medical
conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes; adults
may develop sinus problems and ear infections.
Know How the Flu Spreads:
The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets
when people who are infected sneeze. People occasionally may become infected
by touching something with influenza virus then touching their mouths, nose,
or eyes.
Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting
symptoms and up to 5 days after becoming sick.
Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are
sick.
Protection against the Flu:
- The “flu shot” --- an inactivated vaccine (containing killed
virus) that is given with a needle in the arm. It is approved for use in
people older than 6 months, including healthy people with chronic medical
conditions.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine—a vaccine made with live, weakened flu
viruses. It is approved for people 5 years to 49 years of age who are not
pregnant.
What to do if you get sick:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink a lot of fluids
- Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
- Take medications such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol). Never give
aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms.
- If you are concerned, have a chronic illness, 65 or older or pregnant—contact
your provider.
The Flu Season:
Flu season typically begins is November and extends through March.
January and February are often the peak months.
Downloads:
Reference links:
Sources:
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