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Special Edition - Flu Alert
Dec. 2003
The flu this year has hit many people quite hard.
Interest and concern is quite high. Here is information supplied by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that can help you and
your organization to know how deal with this current health
problem. Feel free to download the
PDF copy of this article
and distribute it to your organization or friends.
 Contents
What You Need to Know About the Flu
About Flu
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses. Infection with influenza viruses can result in severe illness
and life-threatening complications. An estimated 10 percent to 20
percent of U.S. residents get the flu each year. An average of 114,000
people are hospitalized for flu-related complications, and an average
of 36,000 Americans die each year from complications of flu.
Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Gastro-intestinal
symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are much more common
among children than adults.
Spread of Flu
Influenza viruses are spread when a person who has the flu coughs,
sneezes, or speaks and spreads virus into the air and other people
inhale the virus. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs
they begin to multiply, causing symptoms of the flu. The
viruses can also be spread when a person touches a surface with flu
viruses on it (for example, a door handle) and then touches his or her
nose or mouth.
A person who is sick with the flu can spread viruses - that means they
are contagious. Adults may be contagious from one day before
developing symptoms to up to seven days after getting sick. Children
can be contagious for longer than seven days.
Preventing Flu
Vaccination: The single best way to prevent the flu is to get
vaccinated each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however, there are
other ways to protect against flu.
Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs
(amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and
commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these
medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor should be consulted
before the drugs are used for preventing the flu.
Other Habits for Good Health
The following steps may help prevent the spread of
respiratory illnesses like flu:
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Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep
your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
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Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are
sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
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Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It
may prevent those around you from getting sick.
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Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or
mouth.
Diagnosing the Flu
Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as
you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days after your symptoms begin.
In addition, a doctor's examination may be needed to determine whether
a person has another infection that is a complication of the flu.
At Special Risk of Complications From Flu
Certain people are at increased risk for serious complications from
the flu. This group includes people age 65 years and older and people
of any age with chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women and
children between 6 months and 23 months of age also are at increased
risk from flu complications.
Complications From Flu
Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia,
dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as
congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus
problems and ear infections.
Treating the Flu
Antiviral Medications: Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine,
zanamavir and oseltamivir) have been approved for treatment of the
flu. A doctor must prescribe all of these medications. Antiviral
treatment lasts for 5 days and must be started within the first 2 days
of illness.
What to Do If You Get Sick This Flu Season
If you develop the flu, it is advisable to get plenty of rest, drink a
lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can
take medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give
aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and
particularly fever - without first speaking to your doctor.)
If, however, your flu symptoms are unusually severe
(for example, if you are having trouble breathing), you should consult
your health-care provider right away.
If you are at special risk from complications of
flu, you should consult your health-care provider when your flu
symptoms begin. This includes people 65 years or older, people with
chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or children. Your doctor
may choose to use certain antiviral drugs to treat the flu.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu,
or call the National Immunization Hotline at (800) 232-2522.
Designing a Successful
Wellness Program
Three new workshops are scheduled for 2004 for the
Wellsource, "Designing a Successful Wellness Program". Here are the
dates and locations. For further information about this popular
workshop go the the Wellsource
Corporate Website.
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Las Vegas, March 1,2, 2004
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Portland, July 19,20, 2004
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Washington D.C., October 4,5, 2004
Who should Attend? Directors of wellness
programs, human resource directors, health plans, and anyone
interested in learning new ways to improve health and decrease health
care expenses.
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