Flu Facts 

Flu Season 

People at High Risk of Flu Complications Children younger than 5 Pregnant women People 50 and older People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities People with chronic conditions like:       – blood disorders(including sickle cell disease)      – chronic lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,      – diabetes      – heart disease except hypertension      – liver and kidney      disease       – neurological and      neuromuscular      disorders;      – weakened immune      systems;      – people younger than 19 on long-term aspirin therapy.

Flu is a contagious and serious respiratory illness. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best defense against flu is the vaccine. For the first time this year, experts recommend the flu vaccine for anyone over the age of 6 months.
Those at risk of serious flu complications are usually people age 50 or older, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. See the list of those at higher risk of flu complications to the right.

Flu Symptoms
Flu may take from 1 - 7 days from exposure before the illness develops. Below are flu symptoms:

Fever (100°F or greater)
Respiratory tract illness (cough, sore throat, runny nose)
Headache
Muscle aches
Chills
Vomiting and diarrhea

When to seek care
Flu symptoms usually resolve in 5 days. If symptoms last longer, contact your doctor.

Anyone at higher risk for flu complications should seek care at the earliest signs of flu. Medicines (antivirals) work best if given within 48 hours of symptoms. Also be aware of warning signs of potentially life threatening symptoms to seek medical care immediately.

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Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention