2013 Seasonal Influenza
Key Facts and Tips
What is Influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. 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.
What are the Symptoms of Flu?
People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever, chills, bodyaches
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
How Does Flu Spread?
Flu viruses can spread through airborne droplets created when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be carried by air and are inhaled in the noses and mouths of people who are nearby. Additionally, a person can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the live flu virus on it and then touching their own eyes, nose and mouth.
When is Someone Contagious?
Most adults who become infected with the influenza virus, can shed the virus one day before developing symptoms. This means that you can pass the flu on to someone else before you even know that you are sick. Infected adults will continue to shed the virus five to seven days after becoming sick. That is why it is important to allow ample time to recover from the illness before coming back to classes. Going back to class too soon can result in needlessly spreading the virus further on campus, especially to students and staff with weakened immune systems or other co-existing medical conditions.
Can the Flu be Prevented?
Absolutely! The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. There are two types of flu vaccines:
- The “flu shot”—an inactivated (containing a killed virus) that is given with a needle. The seasonal flu shot is now approved for use in all people, regardless of medical condition, ages 6 months and older.
- The nasal-spray flu vaccine—a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy (no history of asthma or any chronic medical conditions), non-pregnant people ages 2-49 years. This vaccine is administered as a simple nasal spray (no needles!).
How Soon After Getting the Vaccine Am I Protected?
For persons receiving the “flu shot,” protective antibodies are developed about two weeks after vaccination. For persons receiving the LAIV nasal spray form of the vaccine, antibodies are formed one week after vaccination. Both forms of the vaccine will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
To Stay Healthy and Prevent the Spread of Flu?
Yes! Here are some tips for staying healthy during the flu season:
- Get plenty of rest; don’t get over-tired!
- Make sure that you are eating healthy throughout the day and drink plenty of fluids.
- Wash your hands! Take advantage of the hand sanitizers that have been conveniently placed in public areas around campus.
- Use proper coughing etiquette. Sneeze or cough into the “V “of your arm. This prevents air droplets from spreading up to 3 feet away.
- Do not leave used tissues lying around. This can transmit live viruses onto surfaces that someone else can pick up.
