Fall is here… the weather is getting cooler, days are getting shorter, and flu season is upon us. Whether or not you plan on getting a flu shot, these flu facts should come in handy.
Each year in the U.S.:
- 5-20% of Americans get the flu
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications
- Approximately 36,000 people die from the flu
- One lot of the egg-based vaccine (400,000-500,000 doses) takes about 10 weeks to make
- Antibiotics cannot cure the flu, however antiviral medication may help shorten the length of the flu
- The flu costs about $71-$167 billion
How can you tell the difference between the flu and a cold?
In general, flu symptoms include:
- Sudden onset
- Fever and chills
- Exhaustion and weakness
- General aches and pains, including headaches
- Dry cough
While cold symptoms more commonly include:
- Gradual onset
- Wet cough
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose and congestion
- Mild fatigue
Flu complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- It can be life threatening, especially for at-risk populations, such as children and the elderly
Flu spreads by:
- Coughing or sneezing on another person
- Touching contaminated areas like phones or doorknobs and then touching your mouth or nose
You can help prevent flu by:
- Vaccination
- Antiviral medicine
Forewarned is forearmed. If you have more questions, consult your doctor. Take good care this flu season and stay healthy.