Influenza
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause
substantial illness and death in some cases. Although most
healthy people recover from the flu without complications, some
people, such as older people, young children and people with
certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious
complications from the flu.
Symptoms may include,
Ø
Fever (greater than 100
degrees)
Ø
Cough
Ø
Sore Throat
Ø
Tiredness
Ø
Headache
Ø
Runny or stuffy nose
Ø
Body aches
Ø
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children
than adults)
The flu usually spreads from person to person in
respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or
sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching
something with influenza virus on it and then touching their
mouth, nose or eyes.
Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before
getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick.
The
single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza
is to get a flu vaccination each year.
Habits for Good Health
These steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses
such as the flu:
Ø
Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze – throw the tissue away after you use it.
Ø
Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water,
use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Ø
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them
from getting sick too.
Ø
If you get the flu, stay home from work, school,
and social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent
others from catching your illness.
Ø
Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Germs often spread this way.
For
more information go to:
http://www.ndflu.com.
|
