Released October 17, 2008

LOGAN, Utah -- As the holidays draw near, we are approaching the days of family, friends, fun and flu. Before the flu season hits, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of the symptoms. Consider this information.

• Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Typical symptoms of flu include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

• Flu can be especially hard on children. One statistic from the Centers for Disease Control states that during flu season, 20,000 children younger than age 5 are usually hospitalized. During a severe flu season, there may also be as many as 1 in 5 who go to the doctor, visit the emergency room or visit other urgent care centers for treatment of the flu.

• For the elderly, flu can be much more serious than feeling achy and feverish for a few days. For those over age 65, flu can be serious, even deadly. In fact, 90 percent of flu deaths and more than half of hospitalizations occur in people in this age group.

• The CDC suggests that getting a vaccine each year is the best way to protect against the flu. But there are also certain antiviral drugs that can be used as a second line of defense in the prevention and treatment of flu. Ask your doctor about these or go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm for information.

• Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you get the flu, do yourself and those you associate with a favor and stay home. The best way to treat the flu is to stay away from others to avoid passing it along, get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

• Over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms of the flu, but remember not to give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly a fever. When concerning symptoms occur, don’t be afraid to call your doctor -- especially for small children or the elderly. Call you doctor if any of the following symptoms occur. In children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluids, not waking up, not interacting, being so irritable they don’t want to be held, a fever with a rash, flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a cough that is worse. In adults: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe or persistent vomiting.

• Additional everyday preventive actions can also keep the flu away. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs spread easily this way.

It’s difficult to predict how widespread or serious this year’s flu season will be. It’s best to take the defensive approach and be prepared when it arrives.

--30--

http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=3949

Contact: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810, julener@ext.usu.edu