Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast

Being Prepared for Flu Season

Flu season is fast approaching, and it is not something to take lightly! Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized due to flu-related complications, and 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people ages 65 years or older. With alarming statistics like these, is it really worth the risk of getting sick and infecting yourself, loved ones, neighbors, and community?

Q. What is the flu?
A. The flu is a viral infection called influenza that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It infects millions of Americans each year, and can cause symptoms lasting for up to two weeks.

Q. What are the symptoms of the flu?
A. Flu symptoms can often mimic symptoms from the common cold. However, there are some discerning symptoms that are specific for the flu, such as having a fever of 100 degrees or higher, which will assist you in your diagnosis. The most common flu symptoms are:
• Fever
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nasal congestion

Q. How long can a person be contagious with the flu?
A.  Often times a person can infect another person one day before demonstrating symptoms and up to seven days after symptoms have appeared. Those who are considered “at risk” could be contagious for longer periods of time.

 Q. Who is considered at risk?
A. Older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. On average annually in the United States, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; over 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 24,000 people die from the flu-related causes.

Q. How can I prevent getting the flu?
A. The best way to prevent or lessen the severity of the flu is to get a flu shot each year. Contrary to common belief, you cannot get the flu from a seasonal flu shot. In addition, good preventative health habits, such as washing your hands and covering your sneezes can help. Although there are no guarantees, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're doing all you can to keep yourself and your family flu-free.

Q. Are there various types of the flu vaccination?
A. Yes, there are three common types of flu vaccinations:  regular dose, preservative-free, and high-dose preservative-free. Depending on your age and any allergies you may have will help determine which flu vaccination is good for you.

The regular dose vaccination is the most common type of flu shot and can be given to anyone who is six months or older. The preservative-free vaccination is recommended for anyone who might have an allergy to thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative that has been used in vaccines for decades in the United States. The preservative-free high-dose vaccination is only designated for seniors who are 65 years or older.