Seasonal Flu Information
Viruses that cause seasonal influenza are common infections. Our immune systems have fought off these invaders for generations.
- How serious is it, and who is at most risk?
- What are the symptoms?
- What should I do if I get sick?
- I don’t have any of the risk factors described above. If I’m sick, when should I call the doctor?
- Is there a vaccine, and who should get it?
- More information
How serious is it, and who is at most risk?
Each year in the U.S., about 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu complications; children 5 years old and younger make up 20,000 of those hospitalized; and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu.
Highest risk:
- Elderly
- People with chronic health conditions
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What are the symptoms?
Adult symptoms may include:
- Temperature of 100°F or above
- Cough
- Body aches, chills
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Feeling lousy all over
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What should I do if I get sick?
- Stay home and get plenty of rest.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever. Do not give children aspirin.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Keep separate from other members of the household.
- If the illness is severe or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your doctor or seek medical care.
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I don’t have any of the risk factors described above. If I’m sick, when should I call the doctor?
Adults
Adults call the doctor if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Call the doctor if your child has:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
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Is there a vaccine, and who should get it?
The seasonal flu vaccine is available now. Most adults and children – except infants under 6 months – should be vaccinated to reduce the chance of getting the flu and help stop the spread of the virus.
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More information
For more information on seasonal flu please visit:
- Flu.gov | www.flu.gov
- CDC: H1N1 flu information | www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
- CDC: Seasonal flu information | www.cdc.gov/flu
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