Health Advisory: What is FLU?
What is FLU? Flu or influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. Each year 5% to 10% of adults and 20% to 30% of children catch the flu. Is it FLU or a common COLD? Flu is not just a common cold. If you have a high fever (39-40'C), headache, severe cough, extreme fatigue and/or aches and pain, you may have a flu. Unlike common cold, flu causes severe illness and life threatening complications in many people. How does FLU spread? Flu is very contagious. You can catch it from the air from someone who is sneezing or coughing, from close contact with someone who has flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring germs to the respiratory system. Who is at risk? Anyone can catch flu. Being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. You can also unknowingly infect others, as it takes 1-4 days for symptoms to appear. Some people are at increase risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract flu, e.g. the elderly, young children, people suffering from diabetes, asthma, chronic heart, lung or kidney disease. What are the complications of FLU? Complications of flu can include: 1. bacterial pneumonia 2. ear infections 3. sinus infections 4. dehydration 5. worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure , asthma or diabetes. What is H1N1 Flu? H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It has 2 genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, plus avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus. Is the Flu vaccine safe? The vaccine will not give you flu. The inactivated flu vaccine contains noninfectious killed viruses, which merely alerts the body to the threat of the virus. Flu vaccines are well tolerated and safe. The most common frequent associated reaction is mild soreness at the injection site. Is it possible to prevent FLU? YES, it is possible to prevent flu through vaccination. The efficacy of flu vaccines has been clinically proven. Many countries all over the world recommend flu vaccination before the flu season. Credit: Nurse Jonah |
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