Shepherd Public Schools
Influenza
Influenza also known as the flu is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. Anyone can get the flu and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People who are 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are examples of complications of the flu. The flu can make chronic conditions worse.
Symptoms
Symptoms include abrupt onset of fever, cough, extreme fatigue and muscle aches. Headache and sore throat may also be present.
Incubation
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 5 days after exposure. The flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air and other people inhale the virus. The flu may less often be spread when a person touched a surface that has flu virus on it, a door handle for instance.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for the flu treatment includes drinking plenty of liquids, rest and use of over-the-counter symptom relief medication. Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager. Antibiotics will not treat the flu. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you develop any of the complications associated with the flu.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is to receive a flu vaccine (shot) each fall before flu season.