GENERAL FLU INFORMATION
The flu is a contagious respiratory lung illness caused by the influenza virus.
Symptoms of the flu include: fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. The flu virus spreads mainly from person
to person through coughing or sneezing. It is possible to pass on the
flu to someone else before you know you are sick.
Seasonal Flu- Seasonal flu refers to the form of the virus that is normally occurring during cold and flu season. Because the influenza virus is able to change itself over time, a person who has previously had the flu is no longer immune to the changed virus. This is why it is important to take the new flu vaccine every year.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)- In this flu season, scientists believe that a new and very different flu virus (called novel 2009 H1N1) may cause more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. It also may cause more hospital stays and deaths than regular seasonal flu. The regular flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 virus. There is a specific vaccine being made just for this type of flu.
Fighting the Flu: Stop Germs:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work or school.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
Disinfect: You can help prevent the flu from spreading at home by disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, toys, and other commonly shared items.
Antiviral Medications (Drugs): There are drugs that can treat the flu. For best response, the drugs should be started within 48 hours of getting sick. These drugs must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Vaccination: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a flu vaccine (shot) is the best way to protect against the flu.
COOPER CLINIC FLU VACCINE INFORMATION
Seasonal flu vaccine is available at Cooper Clinic. Vaccination is generally not recommended until late October or after. This is to ensure that the vaccine will remain effective through the peak flu season which may occur any time from December to February. The vaccine provides protection from the flu 2 weeks after it is given. Medicare and many insurance companies cover the cost of the flu vaccine.
Protection against H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus is not covered in the seasonal flu vaccine. That will require a separate vaccination. For information regarding availability of the H1N1 vaccine, contact your Cooper Clinic physician.