Influenza and Flu Season

Fever = High body temperature Dry cough = Difficulty breathing Sore throat = Pain when swallowing Extreme tiredness = Feeling unusually weak

Elderly = High risk for serious flu complications Young children = More likely to get stomach symptoms People with health conditions = At high risk for worsening of chronic medical conditions Adults = Less likely to get serious flu complications

Coughing = Spreads flu viruses in tiny drops Sneezing = Spreads flu viruses in tiny drops Touching contaminated surfaces = Can spread flu viruses through mouth or nose Shaking hands = Spreads flu viruses through direct contact

<p>Pneumonia = Infection of the lungs Dehydration = Lack of fluids in the body Worsening of chronic medical conditions = Includes heart failure, asthma, or diabetes Sinus infection = Infection of the sinuses</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flu vaccine = Best way to prevent the flu Washing hands = Helps prevent flu transmission Wearing masks = Protects from flu viruses Taking antibiotics = Treatment for flu complications</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flu shot = Given with a needle Nasal spray vaccine = Made with dead virus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>5 years to 49 years = Nasal spray vaccine Older than 6 months = Flu shot 6 to 23 months = Nasal spray vaccine Above 65 years = Nasal spray vaccine</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>People with diabetes = At high risk of having serious flu complications Healthcare workers = Live with or care for those at high risk Adults over 65 years = At high risk of having serious flu complications Pregnant women = Live in long-term care centers</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>October or November = Best time to get a vaccine October to May = Duration of flu season December or later = Not beneficial to get vaccinated May = Flu season cannot begin this late</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Development of antibodies = About two weeks Getting the flu = About two weeks Flu shot becomes effective = About a month Vaccine expires = About a year</p> Signup and view all the answers