Influenza, Adult
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes organs that help you breathe, such as the lungs, nose, and throat. The flu causes many common cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.
The flu easily spreads from person to person (it is contagious). Getting a yearly (annual) influenza vaccination, more commonly known as a flu shot, is the best way to prevent the flu.
CAUSES
Influenza is caused by a virus. You can catch the virus by:
• Breathing in droplets from an infected person 's cough or sneeze.
• Touching something that was recently contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. …show more content…
• Having close contact with many people during cold and flu season.
• Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose without washing or sanitizing your hands first.
• Not drinking enough fluids or not eating a healthy diet.
• Not getting enough sleep or exercise.
• Being under a high amount of stress.
• Not getting an annual flu shot.
You may be at a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as a severe lung infection (pneumonia), if you:
• Are over the age of 65.
• Are pregnant.
• Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system). You may have a weakened immune system if you:
○ Have HIV or AIDS.
○ Are undergoing chemotherapy.
○ Are taking medicines that reduce the activity of (suppress) the immune system.
• Have a long-term (chronic) illness, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or lung disease.
• Have a liver disorder.
• Are obese.
• Have anemia.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition typically last 4–10 days and may include:
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache, body aches, and muscle …show more content…
This medicine may be given by mouth (orally) or through an IV tube inserted in one of your veins.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms by taking care of yourself at home. This may include taking over-the-counter medicines, drinking plenty of fluids, and adding humidity to the air in your home.
In some cases, influenza goes away on its own. Severe influenza or complications from influenza may be treated in a hospital.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to add humidity to the air in your home. This can make breathing easier.
• Rest as needed.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Stay home from work or school as told by your health care provider. Unless you are visiting your health care provider, it is best to avoid leaving home until 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes organs that help you breathe, such as the lungs, nose, and throat. The flu causes many common cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.
The flu easily spreads from person to person (it is contagious). Getting a yearly (annual) influenza vaccination, more commonly known as a flu shot, is the best way to prevent the flu.
CAUSES
Influenza is caused by a virus. You can catch the virus by:
• Breathing in droplets from an infected person 's cough or sneeze.
• Touching something that was recently contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. …show more content…
• Having close contact with many people during cold and flu season.
• Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose without washing or sanitizing your hands first.
• Not drinking enough fluids or not eating a healthy diet.
• Not getting enough sleep or exercise.
• Being under a high amount of stress.
• Not getting an annual flu shot.
You may be at a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as a severe lung infection (pneumonia), if you:
• Are over the age of 65.
• Are pregnant.
• Have a weakened disease-fighting system (immune system). You may have a weakened immune system if you:
○ Have HIV or AIDS.
○ Are undergoing chemotherapy.
○ Are taking medicines that reduce the activity of (suppress) the immune system.
• Have a long-term (chronic) illness, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or lung disease.
• Have a liver disorder.
• Are obese.
• Have anemia.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition typically last 4–10 days and may include:
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Headache, body aches, and muscle …show more content…
This medicine may be given by mouth (orally) or through an IV tube inserted in one of your veins.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms by taking care of yourself at home. This may include taking over-the-counter medicines, drinking plenty of fluids, and adding humidity to the air in your home.
In some cases, influenza goes away on its own. Severe influenza or complications from influenza may be treated in a hospital.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to add humidity to the air in your home. This can make breathing easier.
• Rest as needed.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Stay home from work or school as told by your health care provider. Unless you are visiting your health care provider, it is best to avoid leaving home until 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of