1. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. 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.
2. Signs and symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
3. Most experts believe the flu spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
4. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning day 1 before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
5. Complications of the flu include bacterial pnemonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
You may be wondering why I chose this riveting topic to blog about today?? Well, I have been battling the flu all week and thought I would pass on the knowledge I gained while quarantined to the bedroom, laying in bed for 3-4 days! I did indeed get the flu shot, but to no avail. So far, so good- no one else in my family has gotten it, so fingers crossed and prayers are appreciated! I'm on the mend, thank goodness, but it has been a rough week.
Hope everyone else has had a healthy week and has a great weekend!
*All of the facts above were taken from www.cdc.gov.
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