Influenza (Flu)

Questions and Answers About Influenza and Influenza Vaccine

from the
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Where can I get more information?

Call the Flu Hotline at 1-800-555-7858 or the HEALTH Information Line at 1-800-942-7434. Information is also posted on the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.

Who is high priority for getting an influenza vaccination?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following priority groups for influenza vaccine are:

• All children ages 6 to 59 months
• Adults age 50 and older
• Persons ages 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma and diabetes)
• All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
• Health care workers who provide direct patient care
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children ages 6 months or younger

Once I get a shot, how long before I am protected from influenza?

Once you get a shot, it takes 10-14 days to be protected from influenza.

How do doctors get vaccine?

Vaccine for adults is ordered directly by doctors. When, where and how the vaccine is ordered affects when a doctor gets vaccine. For children through age 18, the Rhode Island Department of Health orders and distributes vaccines. Doctors who see children ages birth through 18 years order vaccine from the Department of Health. Childhood influenza vaccine is distributed by keeping track of physician requests and available supply.

Is there any flu in Rhode Island?

There are cases of flu all year. Peak flu season in Rhode Island is usually late December to early January. There is nothing unusual happening now. Everyone should practice “common sense prevention” like washing your hands, throwing away used tissues, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and staying home if you are sick.

About Prevention of Influenza

In addition to getting a flu shot, how else can I protect myself from influenza?

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Teach children the same healthy habits.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your arm – not your hands. Throw away tissues right away.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, childcare and errands.
• Stay away from sick people.

Common Questions About Influenza

What is influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

Influenza symptoms usually come on very quickly, and can include:

• Severe (usually high) fever
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Body aches
• Gastro-intestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are much more common among children than adults

What are some complications of influenza?

Some of the complications caused by influenza include:

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes
• Children may get sinus problems or ear infections

Who is affected by influenza?

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu
• 36,000 people die from the flu and its complications

In Rhode Island:

• Approximately 50,000-200,000 people get the flu every year
• About 120 people die from the flu and its complications

How does influenza spread?

Influenza can be spread when you cough or sneeze. It usually spreads from person to person. It can also be spread if you touch something (phones, doorknobs) with the virus on it and then touch your mouth or nose. Adults can spread influenza beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick.

How should influenza be treated?

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
• Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu (IMPORTANT NOTE: NEVER give aspirin to children or teenagers who have influenza-like symptoms (particularly fever) without first talking to your healthcare provider.)

I think I might have the flu. What should I do?

The symptoms of influenza include:

• Severe (usually high) fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)

Dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion are also sometimes associated with the flu, but are more often symptoms of a common cold.

If you think you are seriously ill, call your healthcare provider. Unless you have an emergency, avoid going to the Emergency Room.

What is the difference between a cold and influenza?

Influenza and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, influenza is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than influenza. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds usually do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalization.

What should I do to protect my baby if I have influenza and I am breastfeeding?

Nursing mothers who have influenza should do the following before every feeding and when handling their infants:

• Put on a surgical mask. (You can buy surgical masks in most pharmacies.)
• Wash your hands thoroughly and dry then with a clean towel or paper towels.
• Leave your breasts covered until you have put on a surgical mask and washed your hands. You can then begin breastfeeding.
• Do not remove your surgical mask until you are done breastfeeding and you have put your baby down.

Continue to do this at every feeding for 7 days following the first day of your illness (when you first noticed the symptoms).