Influenza (also called flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. In this region, the flu usually spreads between the months of October and May during flu season.
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Persons may spread the flu to someone else before they know they are sick, as well as while they are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.
Flu is unpredictable and can become severe. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease). Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every season.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine soon after flu vaccines are available, and ideally by October. However, getting vaccinated even later can be protective, as long as flu viruses are circulating. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community.
Some people should not get vaccinated. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any relevant allergies, including egg allergies. Please consult your doctor or the Primary Health Care Department about flu vaccination.
Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of flu germs.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people;
- 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 water, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way; and
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu;
- If sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. The Ministry of Health recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
For additional information regarding influenza, contact a public primary health care clinic on your island.
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