Influenza, also known as flu, is a common respiratory infection that can be severe and life threatening. Each year more than 36,000 persons, especially older individuals and those with chronic medical conditions, die from influenza in the US. Colds are also viral infections but are self-limited and not life threatening. Colds usually cause a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and sometimes mild fever. The signs and symptoms of influenza are fever (high temperature of more than 102 degree Faherenheit), chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, cough, and pleuritic chest pain. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are rare in adults with influenza. What is sometimes called “stomach flu” is actually not caused by the flu virus.
Because influenza is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Several antiviral prescribed medications are available that may help treating influenza. These medications work best if they are taken early in the course of the flu. They may help decrease the length of symptoms of influenza. These drugs cause some adverse effects, and person with some chronic medical problems should not take them, nor should pregnant women. They are not recommended for children younger than 1 year. Medications for pain and fever may also help to relieve flu symptoms.
Receiving flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent influenza. Yearly vaccinations against influenza are recommended particularly for everyone aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical problems (asthma, diabetes, or heart/lung/kidney disease), health care workers, individuals who care for children or elderly persons, all children aged 6 to 23 months, and older children who have chronic medical conditions or who are receiving chronic aspirin therapy. Children 8 years and younger receiving the flu vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses given about 30 days apart.
The flu shot is made from inactivated influenza virus and cannot give you the flu. Because influenza virus strains differ from year to year, the influenza vaccine also varies each year. A nasal spray flu vaccine is available for healthy persons aged 5 through 49 years who are not pregnant.
