Q: What is influenza?
A: Influenza, or flu, is an infection caused by a virus. Typical symptoms begin suddenly, usually with fever, chills, body aches, headaches and fatigue as the first signs of disease. Respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat and cough, may not occur in the earliest stages of the disease. Children are more likely than adults to have vomiting and diarrhea.
Q: When is flu season?
A: In the northern hemisphere, flu typically occurs during the late fall and winter. In New Jersey, peak activity usually is in January and February. In recent years, flu has occurred as early as September and as late as June.
Q: How is flu spread?
A: Flu is spread mostly through the air. When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, the virus may travel as far as six feet, landing on someone else’s mouth or nose. Less often, virus on a surface (such as a doorknob) can get on someone’s hand and they might accidently get infected by touching their mouth or nose.
Q: How can the spread of flu be stopped?
A: Hand-washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers can prevent the spread of infection. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned often. Avoid touching your mouth or nose. Eating utensils and drinking glasses should not be shared and should be washed with soap and water. Practicing “cough etiquette” is another way to prevent the spread of infection to others. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and wash hands afterward. If a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into the upper sleeve or elbow is a way to decrease spread of virus to others. People who are sick with the flu should stay home until they recover.
Q: How can I keep from getting sick?
A: Influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent flu. The vaccine has been shown to prevent hospitalization and severe complications for adults and children with chronic illnesses, including diabetes, chronic lung disease and heart disease. Pregnant women are at high risk for severe influenza. Vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to be safe and provides protection for newborns, who are too young to be vaccinated.
Q: Who should be vaccinated for influenza?
A: Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
Q: Is there treatment for influenza?
A: Antiviral drugs may be helpful for some people with influenza, especially people with certain chronic conditions. The antiviral drugs work best if they are started very early during the illness. If you think you might have the flu, see a doctor as quickly as possible to discuss treatment options.