The Flu at a Glance

Tara Smith, PharmD — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

What is influenza?

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses that can make people very sick. People with the flu might have a cough, sore throat, fever, chills, or a runny nose. They may also have a headache, muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/index.html

What is the difference between seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza?

Seasonal influenza virus usually makes people sick in the fall and winter months. It can be mild or serious. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/seasonalflu/index.html
H1N1 influenza virus (or "Swine flu") is a different flu virus than the seasonal flu virus. H1N1 flu will occur in the fall and winter, but it can also make people sick in the spring and summer. It can be very serious. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/h1n1/index.html
Antiviral medicines work against both the season flu and H1N1 viruses.
There are two different vaccines (seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine) being offered. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/index.html#seasonal

How do I recognize if my child has the flu?

Call your child's doctor if your child gets sick with a runny nose, sore throat, or cough along with muscle aches, fever (often high), chills, nausea/vomiting, and loss of appetite. It is important to treat the flu early with antiviral medicines. Call the doctor as soon as you think your child has more than just a common cold. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/medicine/index.html

What can I do to prevent my child and myself from getting the flu?

Wash hands often with soap and water.
Cover coughs and sneezes with an elbow. Turn away from other people.
Get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible, especially if you or your child are at high risk for getting sick with the flu. Children and pregnant women are at high risk. Children as young as 6 months old can get the vaccines.
Avoid being around others who are sick. If a child you care for has the flu or flu symptoms, keep him home away from other children until he is well again. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/caregivers/index.html
Check with your child's school or daycare for rules about when a child can return to school after being sick.

How can I find out where the flu vaccines are being offered?

Call the local health department or your child's doctor to check their supply of the vaccines. They may offer clinic times to give the vaccines. You can also visit http://www.flu.gov/whereyoulive/index.html to locate a clinic near you.

If I get sick, how do I keep my child and those around me from getting sick?

Call your doctor to see if you need antiviral medicines or if you need to go to the hospital. Antiviral medicines can make the illness milder and help you feel better faster. The medicines must be taken as soon as you start feeling sick. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/medicine/index.html
If you must be around other people, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth. http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/facemasks/index.html
Stay in a separate room of the house as much as possible while you have flu symptoms.
There are some over-the-counter medicines that can help relieve flu symptoms. Ask your pharmacist about them.

Where can I get up-to-date information on the flu, vaccines, and treatments?

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) offers helpful information on their websites: www.flu.gov and www.cdc.gov/flu.

Specific information for your state can be found at http://www.flu.gov/whereyoulive/index.html.

2-Feb-10 11:00 PM

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The Flu at a Glance