Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The FLU is different from the common cold, it usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

People ages 65 years and older, people any age with chronic medical conditions and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. The flu can make chronic health problems worse, for example, people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of their condition triggered by the flu, or people with asthma may experience increased attacks while they have the flu.

Influenza is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and sends the virus into the air and other people inhale the virus. Less often, influenza may be spread when a person touches a surface-a door handle for instance- that has flu virus on it, then touches his or her nose or mouth. The flu is very contagious.

What should you do if you get the flu? Rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol or tobacco and take medication to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics don’t work to cure the flu. A word of caution, never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, without first speaking to your doctor! This can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine (flu shot) each fall, before flu season. The vaccine is updated each year to make sure it is as effective as possible, protection develops about two weeks after administering the shot and may last up to a year.

Who should get an influenza vaccine?

• Everyone 65 years of age or older. Anyone who has a serious long-term health condition, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders. Anyone whose immune system is weakened because of HIV/AIDS or diseases that affect the immune system, cancer treatment or long term treatment with drugs, such as steroids. Residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Anyone 6-18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment. Women who will be past the third month of pregnancy during the flu season.
• Physicians, nurses, family members or anyone else coming in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

Others who should be considered for the vaccine:

• People who provide essential community services. Persons living in dormitories or other crowded conditions.
• Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of catching influenza.

Remember, a person who receives the flu vaccine can get the flu, but will be far less sick than someone who has the flu and has not received the vaccine. The worst side effect you’re likely to get with injectable vaccine is a sore arm.

The flu shot uses an inactivated or killed vaccine. This vaccine can’t give you the flu.

Remember, also the optimal time to vaccinate people continues to be during October and November, although vaccination later in the flu season can still provide protection against influenza.