What is influenza?
Influenza ("flu") is a severe, contagious viral disease of the respiratory tract. There are two main types of influenza virus, A and B. Each type includes many different strains that tend to change each year.

Who gets influenza and how is it spread?
Anyone can get influenza, but it is most serious in the elderly; in people with chronic illnesses (such as lung or heart disease, cancer, emphysema, or diabetes), or those with weak immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 35 to 50 million Americans come down with the flu during each flu season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children
are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others. Influenza is highly contagious and is easily transmitted through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person during coughing, sneezing, or talking.

What are the symptoms of influenza and when do they start?
Typical flu symptoms include headache, fever, chills, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and body aches. Occasionally diarrhea and vomiting are present. Although most people are ill for a week or less, some people may have a more serious illness, such as pneumonia, and may need to be hospitalized. The incubation period for influenza is one to three days and an infected person is contagious from 24 hours before symptoms appear to three to five days after onset of illness. Young children and persons with a weakened immune system can spread the virus for seven days or longer.

What is the treatment for influenza?
There are several anti-viral drugs available (with a physician prescription) which may reduce the severity of disease caused by influenza, if taken within the first 48 hours of onset of illness. Otherwise, bed rest, increased fluids, and taking pain relievers to help reduce the discomfort of illness is recommended. Children with influenza should not be treated with aspirin due to the risk of developing Reye Syndrome.

Is there a vaccine for influenza?
Yes. Influenza vaccine is made from inactivated influenza virus particles. The vaccine protects against certain strains of influenza. Since the strains of influenza which circulate change every year, it is necessary to make a new influenza vaccine for each flu season. This is why receiving a yearly flu shot is recommended. Although most people recover from the flu, CDC estimates that in the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and more than 20,000 people die from the flu and its complications every year. The risk of developing severe complications, such as pneumonia and death, increases with age or in individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Wyoming Department of Health
2300 Capitol Ave.
Cheyenne WY 82002
(307) 777 -7172

(Photo courtesy of National Museum of Health & Medicine (Otis Historical Archives)