NCPH: Influenza in N.C.

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses. There are two main types of influenza (A and B) and several different strains of influenza A and B that can circulate each year. The three influenza strains most likely to circulate in the United States during the 2010-11 season are the influenza A (H1N1) virus that caused the 2009 pandemic, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus. All of these strains are included in the 2010-11 flu vaccine.

Flu attacks a person’s nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and/or body aches. Most people who get flu recover in a week or two, but some people develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu. The flu can also make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu. A list of groups that are more likely to get flu–related complications is available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm.

During most flu seasons, 90% of deaths from flu occur in the elderly. However, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic most deaths from flu occurred in children and young adults. Since both 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu strains will likely be circulating this year, it is important for people of all ages to be protected.

Flu is usually spread when infected people cough or sneeze. Flu can spread rapidly in a community unless people take precautions. Flu vaccines are the best way to protect people from seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu. You can also prevent the spread of flu by taking simple precautions, like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Everyone can take some very basic actions to help stop the spread of flu.Wash your hands with soap and water. Cough into your elbow or sleeve or into a tissue, not your hands. Stay home if you are sick. Get a flu shot now. The 2010-11 flu shot provides protection against 2009 H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B. Everyone has a role in preventing the spread of flu.

Learn how to prevent the flu and what to do if you become ill.
For quick information, go to North Carolina’s flu web site at www.flu.nc.gov and see www.flu.gov. More detailed information is below and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov/flu/.

2010-11 FLU