The Facts About the Flu

Health Envoy's Blog

Many of us have had at least one bout of the flu in our lifetimes. Most of the time, the flu runs its course with few problems — but it can lead to serious complications.

By Krisha McCoy

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH

In any given year, it's estimated that 5 to 20 percent of Americans get the flu, a respiratory illness also known as influenza. The flu can lead to serious complications, sending more than 200,000 U.S. residents to hospitals each year. In the United States, the flu kills about 36,000 people annually.

The flu virus spreads each year in the late fall and winter. These epidemics tend to peak in communities after three weeks and begin to decrease after an additional three to four weeks.
Flu viruses spread through tiny droplets of fluid that contain the virus. When people with the flu cough, sneeze, or touch something after wiping their noses or mouths, they can pass these droplets to the next person. When others inhale infected droplets from the air or make contact with infected surfaces and then touch their mouths or noses, they can become infected.
People with the flu can pass their illness to others as early as one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after they get sick.

What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

If you are infected with the flu virus, your symptoms probably will develop one to four days later. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and may include:

• High fever
• Digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Dry cough and runny nose

In some cases, the flu can lead to other, more serious complications, especially in young children, older adults, and people with preexisting health conditions. Complications of the flu may include:

• Pneumonia
• Ear or sinus infection
• Convulsions
• Worsening of a pre-existing condition
• Confusion or delirium

How to Manage the Flu?

Most people can reduce their risk of developing the flu by getting the annual flu vaccine in early fall, recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Consult your doctor before getting the flu vaccine — especially if you've previously had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine, have an allergy to eggs, have a moderate to severe illness with a fever, or have developed Guillian-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine.
When you have the flu, you can usually manage your symptoms by getting plenty of rest, avoiding cigarette smoke, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter flu medication to manage symptoms.
Call your doctor if your fever lasts more than three days, if you exhibit symptoms like disorientation and chest pain, or you have signs of a complication like pneumonia. Your doctor may perform a blood test to identify the specific virus that is causing your symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), to reduce the length of your illness.
Expect your flu symptoms to begin improving within a week to 10 days. But even after you feel better, don't be surprised if some of your symptoms, especially a cough or fatigue, linger a little while longer.

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