Let’s Talk about the Flu (Part 1)

“Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid

mutation and unpredictable behavior.”

—-Margret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization 2006-present

It is flu and cold season again and everywhere flu shots are being advertised.  Many people and families have questions about how the flu is different from other viruses and why they should get a flu shot for themselves or their children. We will discuss this in three different posts.  This first one explains a little about the flu virus, how it is transmitted and how to recognize the symptoms.

What is the InFluenza Virus?

• There are several strains/types of flu virus that affect humans and these strains may change each year.
• Because of the changing strains, humans are unable to develop immunity to the flu
• The viral infection primarily  affects the nose, throat and lungs
• Illness can be mild, moderate or severe to life-threatening
• Flu complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, or other secondary infections
• Flu season is general from October to May
• “Influenza-related complications cause more children to be hospitalized than any other vaccine-preventable disease.” (CDC statement)

How can you get the flu?

• Flu virus is gets into a person’s body through the mouth or nose
• Flu is spread when you touch a contaminated object (table, chair, toy) and then touch your mouth or nose, and when a sick person breathes, sneezes or coughs on you.
• Flu germs can live on objects for up to 8 hours
• The flu virus is highly contagious and has a contagious period of 1 day before a person has symptoms to 2 weeks after developing symptoms!
• Children younger than 2 years and those in daycare/school are more susceptible to the virus

Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms