The document provides information about influenza (the flu). It describes influenza as a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces with the virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and tiredness. While similar to a cold, the flu causes more severe symptoms that can last for two to three weeks. Vaccination each year is recommended to prevent the flu.

2. INTRODUCTION TO INFLUENZA
 The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza
viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild
to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to
prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
How flu spread
 Most experts believe that flr viruses spres 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 flu by touching a surface or object
that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes
or possibly their nose.

3.  Moderate to high fever
 Dry cough
 Headache
 Sore throat
 Chills
 Runny nose
 Loss of appetite
 Muscle aches
 Tiredness
SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA

4. Many cold and influenza symptoms are similar. Both common cold
and influenza are caused by viruses. There are some differences
with influenza. Symptoms of influenza often hit suddenly and
cause you to become weaker and weaker. The dry cough and fatigue
of influenza can last two to three weeks.
Signs that influenza is getting worse include:
 Fever
 Shaking chills
 Shortness of breath
If you think that your illness is getting worse, contact your
pulmonologist promptly.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMMON COLD
AND INFLUENZA

5. TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA
Most people with influenza who are otherwise healthy do not need
special drugs or treatments. If you have influenza, you should: Rest
 Drink lots of fluids
 Eat a light diet
 Stay at home
 Take appropriate medicines
 Antiviral medication
 Antiviral drugs
 Antiviral treatment last for 3-5 days and must be started with in
the first 2 days of illness.

6. MEDICINES FOR SEVERE INFLUENZA CASES
If you are seriously ill, your health care provider might order an
antiviral drug for you. Infections from bacteria are more likely
when you have influenza. Health care providers treat these
bacterial infections with antibiotic drugs. Common secondary
infections include:
 Bacterial pneumonia
 Ear infections
 Sinus infections

7. Prevention of influenza
If you receive an influenza vaccine, you are likely to be protected
from influenza. The vaccine is given as a shot or a nasal spray. You
must get the vaccine every year to be protected. Sometimes the
vaccine does not prevent influenza but makes its symptoms less
severe. The vaccine is safe, even for pregnant women. You cannot
get influenza from the vaccine.

8. WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE
VACCINATION?
It’s a good idea for everyone to get an influenza vaccine every year.
You will protect yourself and other people. People who have a high
risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza are urged to get a
vaccine once a year. You should also ask your pulmonologist about
a pneumonia vaccination. You have a high risk if you have:
 Lung disease
 Kidney disease
 Diabetes
 Heart problems
 An illness or are taking a medicine that makes it hard for your
body to fight illnesses
 Severe anaemia

9. CONTINUE….
You also have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if you:
 Are over 65 years old
 Are under 18 years old and must take aspirin regularly
 Live or work in a nursing home
 Have AIDS
Other individuals who are not at high risk might also receive a flu
vaccination. If you work in a healthcare facility, you may transmit
influenza to others in a healthcare facility, but you are not at a
higher risk of becoming seriously ill.