It’s rainy season once again and at this time of the year, we are exposed to different kinds of diseases that we must be aware of. The most common forms of illnesses during this season are related to the respiratory system and water – and food – borne diseases.
INFLUENZA
What is Influenza?
Influenza is also called flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
How flu spreads
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose
How serious is the flu?
Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
Complications of flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
How to Prevent Flu
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season.
Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?
Everyone who is at least 6 six months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine this season, it’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated.
Those people include the following:
- People who are at high risk of developing serious complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu
-People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease
-Pregnant women
-People younger than 5 five years (and especially those younger than 2two), and people 65 years and older.
- People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications
-Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases
-Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 six months old
-Health care personnel.
Who should not be vaccinated against seasonal flu?
Influenza vaccine is not approved for children younger than 6 six months of age.
People who have had a severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine should generally not be vaccinated.
There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician.
These include:
- People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated), and
- People with a history of Guillain–Barre Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether if the vaccine is recommended for you.