Summary

This document provides information about flu season, including its timing, symptoms, and how it spreads. It also discusses who is at higher risk for complications, and preventative measures. It also explains the difference between the flu and a common cold.

Full Transcript

Flu Season While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what’s known as the flu season. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October...

Flu Season While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what’s known as the flu season. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the timing and duration of flu activity has been less predictable. The figure below shows peak flu activity in the United States by month for the 1982-1983 through 2021-2022 flu seasons. The “peak month of flu activity” is the month with the highest percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza virus infection during that flu season. During this 40-year period, flu activity most often peaked in February (17 seasons), followed by December (7 seasons), January (6 seasons) and March (6 seasons). What is the flu (influenza)? The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months, when many people can get sick at once (an epidemic). When is flu season? Flu season — when cases of the flu go up dramatically — in the Northern Hemisphere (which includes the U.S.) is October through May. The highest number of cases (peak) usually happen between December and February. What is the difference between the flu and the common cold? The flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, like runny nose and cough. But cold symptoms are usually mild and flu symptoms can be severe and lead to serious complications. Different viruses cause colds and the flu. Who is at higher risk for complications from the flu? Certain health conditions can put you at higher risk for severe illness from the flu. This includes life-threatening complications that require hospitalization. You’re at higher risk for serious illness if you: Have asthma, COPD or another chronic lung disease. Have a history of kidney, liver, neurological, heart or blood vessels disease, including stroke. Have a condition that causes issues with muscle function or makes it difficult to cough, swallow or clear fluids from your airways. Have diabetes. Have a weakened immune system (from HIV/AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive medications). Have a blood disorder, like sickle cell disease. Have a BMI greater than 30 (have obesity). Are under 5 years old or over 65 years old. Are pregnant. Are under 19 years old and take aspirin regularly. Live in a long-term care facility. Non-Hispanic Black people, non-Hispanic American Indians, Alaska Native people and Hispanic or Latino people have the highest rates of severe illness from the flu compared to non-Hispanic White people and non-Hispanic Asian people. Symptoms and Causes With so many symptoms in common, it can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu. Here’s how to tell which is which. What are the symptoms of the flu? Symptoms of the flu usually come on quickly, and can include: Fever. Chills. Body aches. Cough. Headache. Sore throat. Runny or stuffy nose (congestion). Tiredness or feeling run down. Diarrhea or vomiting (usually only in kids). You may not have all of these symptoms. What causes the flu? The influenza virus causes flu. Influenza A, B and C are the most common types that infect people. Influenza A and B are seasonal (most people get them in the winter) and have more severe symptoms. Influenza C doesn’t cause severe symptoms and it’s not seasonal — the number of cases stays about the same throughout the year. H1N1 (“swine flu”) and bird flu are both subtypes of influenza A. Is the flu contagious? Yes, the flu is contagious (it spreads from person to person). For every person infected, they spread the flu to one to two more people. How does the flu spread? The influenza virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with someone else who’s infected. Common ways to get the flu include: From someone nearby coughing, sneezing or talking. Droplets can either get onto your hands or move through the air to get into your nose or mouth. The flu then moves into your lungs. By touching a surface that’s contaminated by the flu virus, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes. This includes things like door knobs, desks, computers and phones. By touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes. Management and Treatment How is the flu treated? Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications under certain circumstances. Antivirals can reduce your risk of severe illness and shorten the amount of time you’re sick. Many people can treat the flu without prescription medications. Providers prescribe antivirals if you: Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. Antivirals are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms. The virus has already made more copies of itself and your body has started to fight it off with its own antibodies. Have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness. Providers may prescribe antivirals even if you’ve had symptoms for longer than 48 hours. Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for longer than 48 hours. Live with or care for people who are at risk for severe complications of the flu. How do I manage symptoms of the flu? Many people can manage the symptoms of flu at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other therapies, including: Getting plenty of rest. Drinking fluids like water or broth to help prevent dehydration. Applying heat packs or hot water bottles can help with aching muscles. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®) can help lower your fever and relieve head and body aches. Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can help with a runny or stuffy nose. Taking cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan can help calm a nagging cough. Using expectorants like guaifenesin make it easier to clear mucus out of your lungs. Not everyone should take certain OTCs, so check with your provider before you use them. It’s also a good idea to make sure certain medications are okay to use together or with supplements. Don’t give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless their provider says it’s okay. Prevention How can I prevent the flu? The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize infections and fight them off before you get sick. The influenza virus can change (mutate) a little bit every year, which is why you need to get vaccinated every year. Even if you get sick with a different version of the flu than the one in the vaccine, vaccination reduces your risk of getting seriously ill. Your provider can give you the flu vaccine as a shot or as a mist they spray into your nose. Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu include: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue rather than your bare hand. Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with the flu or other infectious diseases. Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth. Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others. Aides Role As flu season approaches, family caregivers of senior loved ones must be vigilant. Given their heightened susceptibility to illnesses, seniors rely on us for protection and care against the often harsh winter months. In our role as caregivers, preparation is key both to prevent the flu and manage it effectively if it arrives uninvited. The Importance of Vaccinations The influenza vaccine is a crucial frontline defense against the flu, especially for seniors. Vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and other potentially serious side effects from the flu. In some cases, they can even protect seniors against falling ill. To ensure maximum effectiveness, confirm that your loved ones have their flu shots as early in the season as possible. Scheduling appointments might feel daunting. However, remember that this step can drastically lower the risk of severe flu complications for seniors. Maintaining Clean Surroundings Cleanliness isn't just about aesthetics - it's an important deterrent for the flu virus. Regularly sanitize shared areas such as the kitchen and living room, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and remote controls. Additionally, make sure to clean individual rooms, particularly bedrooms, to provide your seniors with a hygienic personal space. Implementing Personal Hygiene Practices Personal hygiene plays a pivotal role in flu prevention. Encourage senior loved ones to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their faces. As a caregiver, you should also practice stringent hygiene habits, as you could unknowingly transmit the virus to your seniors. Recognizing Flu Symptoms in Seniors Flu symptoms can often mimic those of a common cold. However, they are typically more severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to their weakened immune systems, making it vital to monitor their health closely during flu season. Always seek prompt medical care if your senior loved ones exhibit flu symptoms. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery and complications. You should also consult with a care provider if your loved one does not seem to be recovering or has severe symptoms. Stocking Up on Essential Supplies Being well-stocked is a key part of flu season preparation. Over-the-counter medicines, tissues, and sanitizers are some essentials that should be within easy reach. Planning and stocking up in advance not only ensures you have these supplies on hand when illness strikes but also allows you to respond quickly and minimize the spread of the virus. Support for Seniors in Their Homes As family caregivers, we have the essential and rewarding role of safeguarding our senior loved ones, particularly during challenging times like the flu season. Preparing diligently by ensuring vaccinations, maintaining cleanliness, practicing personal hygiene, detecting symptoms early, and stocking up on essential supplies can lead to a safer and healthier season for our seniors.

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