FLU 101
Every year, the flu causes more than 100,000 people to go to the hospital. Another 20,000 people die from the flu and related complications, such as pneumonia. The flu can be especially serious among newborns, the elderly and people with ongoing health problems.

What causes the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system. Though colds are also caused by viruses, the symptoms of the two illnesses have some differences. You are much more likely to have fever, headache and extreme exhaustion if you have the flu.

How do you catch the flu?
The flu can be passed from person to person through coughing and sneezing. The virus may also be picked up from contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or telephone receivers. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your nose or mouth, the virus can enter your body and infect you.

Can the flu be prevented?
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, you can do several things to try to avoid the flu, including:

• Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Washing your hands often to avoid spreading germs.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when you or someone nearby coughs or sneezes.
• Using rubbing alcohol to regularly clean surfaces that may spread the infection.
• Getting a flu shot each year.
  

What do I do if I have the flu?
Most of the time, you just have to wait while your body fights off the virus. However, there are ways to lessen the severity of symptoms in the meantime. The NIAID (National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases) recommends that you:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of liquids.
• Take medicines, such as acetaminophen, to relieve aches, pains and fever.
  There are also prescription medications that can help fight the flu if you take them within two days of the beginning of the illness. Talk to your doctor for more information

When should I see a doctor?
Sometimes your symptoms are a sign of something more serious, such as a secondary infection. You should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse or last a long time.
• You start to feel better but then get worse with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, high fever, chest pain, chills, or a cough with thick yellow-green mucus.

Can flu shots cause the flu?
Flu shots do not cause the flu. The flu vaccine is made with killed viruses. However, you may experience mild side effects from the shot, including soreness where the shot is given, fever and fatigue. These effects should last just one or two days.

Who should get a flu shot?
Anyone who will be in contact with people at high risk for the flu and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people at high risk for the flu and its complications get the flu shot every year. This includes:

• Everyone older than 50.
• People who live or work in a nursing home.
• People with ongoing health problems, such as
  diabetes or heart, lung or kidney disease.
• Pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during the flu season.