Transmission
According to the CDC (2010), influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is nubile when it comes to transmission and spread. "…each year in the United States, approximately 5-20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu-related complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes." (CDC, 2010). Research from the CDC (2013) regarding flu transmission is summarized in the following:
People with the flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most healthy adults may be able to infect …show more content…
This is followed by body aches and chills. Chills may occur either simultaneously with the aches, or in some instances, they arrive shortly after. It is interesting to note that chills often precede any signs of fever. Next in the progression is a persistent cough often coupled with wheezing and chest tightness. Of note, it is at this point when someone with asthma may develop further complications. This persistent cough usually isn't productive in the early stages but can begin to produce mucus and phlegm as the illness progresses. A sore throat may next emerge and usually begins as a feeling of scratchiness and irritation. One may also notice an unusual sensation when swallowing. While the persistent cough can induce the throat discomfort, according to Cherney (2013), some viruses can cause a swollen throat without the presence of cough. It is at this stage of the illness where a fever may present, and some consider this the definitive feature distinguishing a cold from the flu. A flu-related fever tends to run 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, and according to the CDC (2015), one should not return to work until after being clear of fever for at least 24 hours without medication. Other symptoms that may accompany the flu include headaches, sneezing, loss of appetite, runny