AACE Advancing Immunization Quality Improvement Communication Platform-Brown Lifespan flu_and_you_english

Brown Lifespan flu_and_you_english_508

Pdf Summary

The flu can spread through droplets released when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or they can be inhaled into the lungs. The flu virus can also be spread by touching something with the virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose. Symptoms of the flu include cough, sore throat, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. Most people who get the flu will recover without seeing a doctor or taking medicine. However, some people, especially those over 65 or with certain medical conditions, can get very sick from the flu and may even die from it. The flu can be spread from 1 day before symptoms appear to 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. It is recommended to take steps to protect yourself from getting sick, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and getting vaccinated. If you are sick with the flu, it is important to stay home until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine. If you have a sick family member at home with the flu, you can still go to work but should practice good hygiene measures to prevent getting infected. In children and adults, there are warning signs that may indicate the need for emergency medical care. There are antiviral drugs available to treat the flu, but most people will not need them. For more information, it is recommended to contact CDC info at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

Keywords

flu

virus

droplets

cough

sneeze

spread

symptoms

fever

infection

prevention