What is the flu? Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The virus attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. Prevent severe flu by getting vaccinated. Do not confuse influenza with "stomach flu." Influenza viruses do not cause "stomach flu," an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
How does the flu spread? The flu spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Coughing or sneezing sends flu viruses into the air near people that do not have the flu. Flu can also spread when people with the flu touch surfaces, then touch their nose or mouth afterwards also spreads the flu. Most healthy adults infect others one day before symptoms start and up to five to seven days after getting sick. Children infect others for I O or more days after their symptoms start.
How serious is the flu? Even healthy people get the flu. Serious problems from the flu happen at any age. Some people get serious flu-related complications when they get the flu. This includes adults 65 years and older, anyone with a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children.
Each year, millions of children get sick from seasonal influenza; thousands of children get hospitalized, and some die from the flu. Children, 5 years and younger, especially those 2 years and younger, have serious influenza complications more easily. Getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk Of flu-related deaths by nearly two-thirds among healthy children.
How to prevent the flu? Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and serious flu problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the vaccine as soon as this year's vaccine becomes available. Early to mid-fall is the best time to get the vaccine. After you get the vaccine, it takes about two weeks before your body builds up protection against the flu. Seasonal flu peaks from December to February and can last from March through April. Getting the vaccrne at any time Still helps and provides protection from serious illness.
Other ways to prevent the flu at child care facilities:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick, until you do not have a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissues or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if you do not have water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
