The Flu and You: What You Should Know
Get the facts about the flu.
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It's That Time Again - This season, the flu has not been a game. It has killed 26 children and is widespread to 46 states thus far, says the CDC. Translation: We are in the midst of a dangerous epidemic. Read what you need to know about the flu and how to protect yourself and your family. – Britt Middleton (Photo: Getty Images/STOCK)
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What Is the Flu? - Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Experts believe that flu virus “droplets” are spread when a person coughs, sneezes or talks and those flu germs are inhaled by others. Sometimes a person can be infected by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.(Photo: BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images)
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What Are the Symptoms? - Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle soreness and body aches. It can also cause bronchitis too. Symptoms can come on suddenly and could cause life-threatening complications in those with weaker immune systems such as people living with HIV/AIDS, babies, the elderly and pregnant women. (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)
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FYI: The Flu Can Kill - People tend to think that the flu is just a really bad cold, but it isn’t. The flu has killed 26 children thus far, USA Today reported. This season has been particularly dangerous given that H3N2, a tough flu strain that sends people to the hospital, is the most common strain, and the current vaccines don’t really protect you from it. Kids' immune systems are vulnerable. (Photo: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Corbis)
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When Is Flu Season? - The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. However, some health officials say this year’s round came as much as five weeks earlier than expected. Health officials recommend getting the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available as a preventative measure. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
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How Do Flu Vaccines Work? - Flu vaccines come in either a shot or nasal spray formula. They cause antibodies to develop in the body that help protect against infection, and it takes about two weeks for the vaccination to start working. There are three common flu viruses: influenza B, influenza A (H1N1), and influenza A (H3N2). Each year, one flu virus of each kind is used to make flu vaccines. Yet, as stated before this newer strain isn't really protected by the current vaccine. (Photo: REUTERS/Jessica Rinald)
Photo By Photo: Reuters
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Who Should Get Vaccinated? - The CDC recommends most people aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated. Pregnant women, people over the age of 65 and those with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease are at high risk for developing life-threatening complications resulting from the flu. People severely allergic to chicken eggs or who have had a severe reaction to the vaccine should first speak with a physician. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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Where Can I Get Vaccinated? - You can get vaccinated at doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. Some employers and schools offer the service, too. You can also use the flu vaccine locator tool to find a location nearest you. (Photo: REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi)
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Is There Enough Vaccine to Go Around? - According to reports, more than 128 million doses of flu vaccine have already been distributed, accounting for about 95 percent of what manufacturers planned to roll out this year. In some cities, demand for flu vaccinations has been so great that hospitals are turning people away and medical staff are encouraged to wear protective masks to minimize the risk of infection. (Photo: AP Photo/Charles Krupa)