influenza facts because ‘tis the season

 

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  The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs⁣⁣

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  Flu symptoms: cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body ache, headache, fatigue, fever (not everyone with the flu will experience this symptom)⁣⁣

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  Flu spreads via droplets (during coughing, sneezing, talking)⁣⁣

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  On average, 8% of the US population gets sick from the flu each season⁣⁣

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  Children and adults aged 65+ are most likely to get sick from influenza⁣⁣

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  Individuals with the flu are MOST contagious in the first 3-4 days after the illness begins⁣⁣

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  It takes about 2 days after they’ve been infected for an individual to experience symptoms of the flu⁣⁣

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  Complications of the flu can lead to = bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, worsening chronic medical conditions (CHF, asthma, diabetes)⁣⁣

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  Treating the flu = antivirals are given (works best when started as soon after flu illness begins).⁣⁣

The 4 FDA-approved antivirals for the flu are: Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir carboxyl (Xofluzza)⁣