As of October 5, 2020, it was estimated that there were “between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010” (CDC). Influenza (aka “The Flu”) affects 20-50% of the U.S. population each winter.
We make vaccines against several strains of influenza virus. The vaccine changes each year (to keep up with the ever-changing/mutating virus) and it is recommended for most people, especially older adults and those with certain chronic conditions. In order to prepare the vaccine each year, the medical/scientific community has to make an educated guess as to which strains will appear during the next flu season.
| Signs and Symptoms | If you think that you might be coming down with the flu, look out for the common symptoms. Runny nose, cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, and a sore throat are all symptoms of influenza. |
| The Difference Between Cold and Flu |
Although some symptoms of the common cold and influenza are similar, they are actually caused by different viruses. The flu usually has more intense symptoms including fever and headache, rarer symptoms in colds. |
| Testing for flu | There are several ways to test for influenza. There are rapid tests that can come back anywhere between 10-30 minutes, although they are not as accurate as some of the other tests. These include culturing a throat or nose swab, which will take a bit longer to process. Given the symptoms, a healthcare provider can usually diagnose influenza. |
| Complications | There are some minor and more serious complications that can occur due to influenza. Minor complications include both ear and sinus infections, where more serious complications could result in inflammation. This includes encephalitis, (brain inflammation), myocarditis (heart inflammation), and in very serious cases, sepsis, due to multi organ failure. |
| Warning Signs | These are warning signs that need immediate attention. In children, a fever greater than 104°F, fast and/or trouble breathing, dehydration, bluish lips or face, chest pain, and not acting alert. In adults, shortness of breath, seizures, dizziness, difficulty getting up, persistent chest pain, and not urinating. These lists are not complete and are to be used as a guide; consult a doctor if you have any concerning symptoms. |
| High Risk Patients | Anyone can get the flu, but it's important to understand who is at risk. Older adults, 65+, young children, 5 and younger, and in some cases, people with chronic illnesses, heart disease, diabetes, or asthma. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk. |
| Prevention | Every year, it is imperative to get the flu shot. Vaccination reduces the number of flu hospitalizations, illness, and flu-related complications. It is recommended that everyone receives their flu shot by the end of October. By getting vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself but also the people around you! There are different types of flu vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/different-flu-vaccines.htm |
General information on Influenza https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
Influenza Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html
Information on Vaccination https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm