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Influenza General Information
Epidemiology & Assessment
(last updated 3/19/08)
What is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses. Symptoms of influenza include fever (often high), runny or
stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, tiredness, and muscle
aches. Children may sometimes also have nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea. Some people can have a severe illness with influenza. They may have pneumonia, ear infections, dehydration, and worsening
of medical problems such as asthma, heart conditions, and diabetes.
People with chronic medical conditions, the elderly, pregnant women,
and children under 2 years of age are more likely to be admitted to
a hospital for influenza. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized
each year in the United States due to flu and about 36,000 people
die.
How does it spread?
Flu is spread by droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. It
usually spreads from person to person but occasionally objects such
as a doorknob can become contaminated with the virus and serve as a
source of infection also.
What can I do to prevent the spread of influenza?
Vaccination is the
best prevention method available.
People who are
sick should stay home and avoid close contact with others. Good
health habits such as washing your hands often, covering your mouth
and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding
touching your eyes, mouth, or nose can prevent you and/or others
from becoming ill. Antiviral medications are available that can
prevent or lessen the severity of influenza infection; however,
these medications should only be used for those who are at higher
risk of severe illness.
For more information on influenza:
www.cdc.gov/flu/
For more information on how to prevent the flu:
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
For more information on flu vaccine:
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.
For more information on local flu vaccine clinics and availability,
see
www.ochealthinfo.com/public/flu/index.htm
For
more information on influenza activity in Orange County: see Influenza
Surveillance web page
For more information about avian influenza: see
Avian Influenza
section and
www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en
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