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Influenza Q & A
What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Influenza is a respiratory illness. Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Children can have additional gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults
How does the flu spread?
The main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. (This is called "droplet spread.") This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled (generally up to 3 feet) through the air 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 on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
How do I find out if I have the flu?
It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. A test can confirm that an illness is influenza if the patient is tested within the first two to three days after symptoms begin. In addition, a doctor's examination may be needed to determine whether a person has another infection that is a complication of influenza.
How soon will I get sick if I am exposed to the flu?
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.
How long is a person with flu virus contagious?
The period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age and health of the person. Studies show that most healthy adults may be able to infect others from 1 day prior to becoming sick and for 5 days after they first develop symptoms. Some young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer than a week.
Is the "stomach flu" really the flu?
No. Many people use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu � more commonly in children than adults � these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease. Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, these illnesses are caused by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly parasites, and are rarely related to influenza.
How long can human influenza viruses remain viable on inanimate items (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that human influenza viruses generally can survive on surfaces for between 2 and 8 hours.
Can herbal, homeopathic or other folk remedies protect against the flu?
There is no scientific evidence that any herbal, homeopathic or other folk remedies have any benefit against influenza.
What can I do to protect myself and family from getting sick?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water especially after coughing or sneezing. The new swine flu virus apparently spreads just like regular flu. You could pick up germs directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose, delivering their germs for your own infection. That's why you should make washing your hands a habit, even when you're not ill. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Shield others from your caughs or sneezes by using a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading. The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.
Avoid close contact with people if you, or they are sick. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Maintain healthful habits - get ample sleep and exercise, drink fluids, eat well.
What do I do if I think I have the flu?
Stay home from work, school and other public gatherings. Consult your doctor and keep your supervisor informed of your condition and doctors diagnosis.
When can I return from work?
It is not recommended that you return to work, school, etc. until 5 days after all symptoms subside or with a doctors clearance.
