Flu Protection

What Is the Flu?

• Influenza (also known as “flu”) is a contagious, potentially serious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that attack the upper respiratory tract.
• It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
• Flu viruses are easily spread from person to person in respiratory droplets created by coughing and sneezing. 
• Each year, an estimated 15-60 million people in the U.S. contract the flu.

• People who catch a cold usually have a runny or stuffy nose. They may cough and have a sore throat. The common cold doesn’t usually cause serious health problems or land you in the hospital.
• People who have the flu on the other hand tend to experience fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough. The flu can lead to pneumonia and bacterial infections and put you in the hospital.
• Each year in the U.S. more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu.
• Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. 
• Children may develop sinus problems and ear infections. 
• Annual flu epidemics result in an estimated three million to five million cases of severe illness and between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths worldwide.

• The single best way to help prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year.  Prior years’ vaccinations are unlikely to protect a person against influenza this year because a person’s immunity declines over the course of the year and flu viruses change continually.
• Each year’s flu vaccine is specially formulated to include the flu virus strains that are then circulating.

People with Chronic Conditions, Like Your Loved One, Have Priority Status When it Comes to Getting a Flu Shot

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain groups of people are more susceptible to complications related to the flu and are considered high risk and therefore have priority when it comes to getting a flu shot.  These groups include:

• The elderly,
• Young children six month old or older 
• People with chronic illnesses/disabilities  

Your loved one is in this # 1 priority group for getting access to a flu shot.

In the second highest risk group are people who are in close contact with those in the highest risk group because

• They can inadvertently bring the flu virus home with them
• Get the flu themselves, which of course would severely impact their ability to provide care.

That means you  - and any helpers you may have!

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider First:

• If you are allergic to eggs, have ever had an allergic reaction to flu vaccine, have ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome, or have a current illness, consult your health care professional before receiving the flu vaccine. 

Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often – especially before and after assisting your loved one
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay away from others who have the flu
• And of course – get a flu shot each year

www.flusource.com
www.flucliniclocator.org
www.cdc.gov/flu

Please share this information with friends and family. It is important that everyone knows these basic flu facts.

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