What is influenza (flu)?

What is influenza (flu)? 

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A and B viruses. It can infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The flu can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia.

How does it spread? 
The virus spreads from person to person through droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes or talks to someone in close proximity. 

Common symptoms 

  • Fever
  • Chills and sweats
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue

Who is at risk? 

  • Young children
  • People 65 and older
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with existing conditions

Potential complications 

  • Pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Heart inflammation

Prevention 

  • Get vaccinated: Seasonal flu vaccines are offered every new flu season, and everyone aged six months and older should receive vaccination when it becomes available
  • Practise good hand hygiene: Wash your hand regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a face mask, and don’t forget to wash or sanitize your hands before and after each wear.
  • Avoid crowded indoor spaces.
  • Keep high-touch surfaces clean.

Locations to get your vaccines 

  • Community health centres
  • Nursing stations
  • Pharmacies that offer this service
  • CLSC

Treatment   

  • Most people with the flu recover on their own without treatment within eight days.
  • It is recommended to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep. You may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and headache.

References

https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/grippe-rhume-et-gastro/grippe-influenza#c1278

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html#:~:text=Flu%20can%20mean%20a%20few,failure%2C%20asthma%2C%20or%20diabetes

https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/flu

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