Influenza, more commonly called the flu, can be a serious illness for some people. Influenza vaccine protects adults and children against the flu. The virus that causes the flu changes often, so the vaccine is updated annually. This is why flu immunization is needed every year.

• Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the lungs. Flu attacks people of all ages including the young and healthy.
• The flu usually lasts 5 to 10 days but the cough and fatigue can last for many weeks, making the return to normal activities difficult.
• People at higher risk of complications caused by the flu include anyone over the age of 65, those with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung problems, and those with weak immune systems, and healthy children aged six to 23 months. Influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death especially among people over the age of 65.

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Influenza virus is usually spread from an infected person to another by coughing or sneezing. The virus is spread when the moisture from a cough or sneeze is breathed in by others.

The virus can be picked up from contaminated surfaces such as toys, door knobs, eating utensils, and unwashed hands.

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Most people who develop the flu have the following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Headache
• Cough, chest discomfort
• Appetite loss
• Muscle aches and pains
• Fatigue and weakness
• Sometimes, all the above accompanied by stomach ache and diarrhea

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For some of the viruses that cause the flu, medication can be prescribed which can reduce the severity of the infection. It must be started early on in the illness to have any beneficial effect.

The following have been shown to offer some relief from the symptoms of the flu.

• Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
• Take an analgesic (aspirin or acetaminophen) to relieve head and muscle aches. Children and teenagers with the flu should avoid aspirin unless specifically directed by a physician.
• If your symptoms don't clear up in about a week, see your doctor.

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People 6 months of age and older at risk for getting a serious case of influenza or influenza complications and people in close contact with them (including all household members) should get an annual the vaccine.

An annual flu shot is recommended for:

• Everyone 50 years of age or older.
• Residents of long-term care facilities housing persons with chronic medical conditions.
• Anyone who has a serious long-term health problem with:
  • heart disease
  • lung disease
  • kidney disease
  • asthma
  • metabolic disease, such as diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders
• Anyone with a weakened immune system due to:
  • HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system.
  • Long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids.
  • Cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.
• Anyone 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (who could develop Reye Syndrome if they catch influenza).
• Pregnant women who will be past the 3rd month of pregnancy during the flu season (usually November-March, but past March in some years).
• Physicians, nurses, family members, or anyone else coming in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

• An annual flu shot is also encouraged for:
  • Healthy children 6-23 months of age and their household contacts and out-of-home caretakers.
  • Household contacts and out-of-home caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age.
  • People who provide essential community service.
• Travelers to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or those traveling to the tropics at any time.
• People living in dormitories or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks.

• Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chance of catching influenza.

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Take the following simple steps to help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory diseases.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
• Use a tissue to wipe your nose.
• Stay home to avoid spreading germs if you or your family members are coughing, sneezing or have aches or fever associated with the flu.
• Wear a mask to cover your face in a medical office, if asked.

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