Influenza,
or flu, is a common disease that affects people of all ages.
Most people are ill for a few days while others may be seriously
ill and require hospital care.
Each
year, flu related illnesses cause thousands of deaths. Most
deaths directly caused by the flu are in very young or very
old people.
Many flu
viruses exist and are passed from an infected person to the
nose or throat of others. The risk is greater wherever large
numbers of people gather in public places.
Symptoms
The flu
can cause a sudden onset of the following symptoms:
Affected
People
People
who are at risk for getting a serious case of the flu or a complication
from it should get a flu shot every year. This group includes:
-
All people sixty-five years of age and above.
-
Residents of long-term care facilities.
-
Any child or adult, including pregnant women, who has a
serious long-term health problem with heart disease, anemia,
diabetes, asthma, lung disease, or kidney disease.
-
People who are less able to fight infections because of
a hereditary disease, HIV infection, or cancer treatment
with X-rays or drugs.
-
Children and teenagers six months to eighteen years old
on long-term aspirin treatment.
-
Health care and community service workers.
-
Anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching the
flu.
Treatment
There
is no specific treatment exists for the flu. Bed rest, proper
nutrition, and drinking lots of fluids are important. Antibiotics
do not provide relief.
Over-the-counter
drugs may relieve coughing, fever, and muscle aches. In severe
cases anti-viral drugs, such as amantadine, may shorten flu
episodes.
It
is best to get a flu shot every year . Children under nine years
old may need a second shot after one month. The flu shot does
not protect against other viruses or prevent anyone from getting
the flu if recently exposed.
Its
purpose is to lessen the risk of getting the flu and its severity
if contracted.
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