FACTS ABOUT INFLUENZA (THE SEASONAL FLU)

     Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. According to the Centers for Disease Control approximately 5% to 20% of the US residents get the flu and an average of 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each flu season (December thru March). About 36,000 Americans on average die per year from the complications of flu. Some of the complications caused by the flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Those aged 65 years and older and persons of any age with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for serious complications of flu.

     Symptoms of the flu include sudden onset of fever (101-106F), chills, muscle aches, weakness and fatigue, headache, sore throat, dry cough, and runny or stuffy nose. Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults.

     Influenza viruses are spread from person to person in respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talking. The droplets are propelled through the air (generally up to 3 feet) and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.  Though much less frequent, the viruses also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands. Adults can shed the virus from 1 day before developing symptoms to up to 5 days after getting sick.  Young children can shed the virus for longer than 7 days. In general, however, more virus is shed earlier in the illness than later. The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.

     The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated.  However, people with chronic medical conditions who are at risk for complications from the flu and those who live with or care for those in the high risk groups are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. The flu viruses are constantly changing.  Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so the vaccine is changed each year.  Studies of healthy young adults have shown flu vaccine to be 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu. This is true especially when the viruses in the vaccine and circulating viruses are similar.  About two weeks after vaccination,  antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.

     One myth about the flu vaccine is that it causes the flu. In the United States, the  injectable vaccine is made from inactivated or killed flu viruses which cannot cause the flu.  People who have gotten a flu vaccination may get sick from a different virus that causes respiratory illness but is mistaken for the flu. The inhaled vaccine called FluMist is made from weakened living viruses and may cause slight flu symptoms.

     Other habits for good health may help prevent the spread of respiratory illness like the flu are as follows: 1) avoid close contact with people who are sick, 2) stay home when you are sick, 3)cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, 4) wash your hands frequently, 5) avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, 6) don't share drinking cups, 7) disinfect surfaces regularly, 8) practice good health habits, 9) get a seasonal flu vaccine, 10) make healthy choices

     If you develop the flu, it is advisable to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.  Medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) are recommended for relief of fever and body aches.  If flu symptoms are unusually severe (for example, if you are having trouble breathing), you should consult your health-care provider right away.  If you are at special risk from complications of flu, you should consult your health-care provider when your flu symptoms begin.  Your doctor may choose to use certain antiviral drugs to treat the flu.

      Seasonal  flu vaccines are now available and will be given on a walk-in basis Monday thru Friday from 9am and 4:30pm.  Cost is 25.00 for students and free to faculty/staff.  Students can pay for the vaccine at the time of service or the fee can be applied to their tuition bill. The Campus Health Center is located at 10383 42^nd Ave (next to Papa John's). For further information call the GVSUCampus Health Center at 331-2435.