INFLUENZA (FLU)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Check out our “FLU Facts” below and review the recommendations below from the Center for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Health.

HOW FLU SPREADS

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
  • *It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED THIS SEASON?

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.

Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. These people include those with:

  • Asthma
  • Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
  • Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
  • Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
  • Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
  • Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • People who are morbidly obese

FIGHT THE FLU!

TALK TO YOUR PROVIDER ABOUT GETTING YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY!

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

COMPASS MEDICAL RESOURCES

CDC RESOURCES