| |
|
|
A- Z Health Guides
| |
Kick The FluWhat is the flu?
Influenza or "flu" is a severe viral infection of the nose, throat, airways and lungs. Influenza can make you ill no matter what your age. People who get influenza feel very ill. The flu has a sudden start with severe headache, muscle aches, and high fever. Cold symptoms may develop in several days. Nearly everyone has a cough. Vomiting and diarrhea are not symptoms of influenza.
Influenza is prevented by getting the flu vaccine. It is not prevented by eating habits, vitamins, or avoiding crowds.
Who should get the vaccine?
- Healthy people over age 65.
- Adults with heart or lung problems.
- People who see a doctor or were admitted to a hospital in the past year for kidney disease, diabetes, anemia (low blood count) or severe asthma.
- People who have cancer or immune disorders that lower the body's resistance to infection (persons infected with the AIDS virus should receive flu vaccine.)
- Residents of nursing homes.
- People who live with patients who have serious health problems.
- People who provide care to high-risk individuals in hospitals, in outpatient care settings or in the home.
Who should NOT get the vaccine?
- People with known allergy to eggs.
- People who have a fever.
- Women who are or might be pregnant (talk to your OB/GYN doctor about the flu vaccine).
Why do I need to get a flu shot EVERY year?
- The virus that causes the flu changes from year to year. Each year a new vaccine is made.
- It takes about one to two weeks after getting the vaccine for you to be protected from the flu.
How can I get the flu shot?
- Flu shots will be given in the outpatient clinics. If you have a scheduled clinic visit, ask the nurse or doctor about the flu shot.
This information is provided only as an informational resource for consumers. For advice regarding a specific medical condition, please consult your personal physician.
« Back
|
|
|
