Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs.
Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms
- Body aches
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Tiredness (can be extreme)
If you are sick
- We will ask you to wear a mask when you enter the building.
- Please do not visit patients in the hospital.
- Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of liquids.
- Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics don’t work.
- If you are a smoker, stop. Use this as a time to stop permanently.
Healthy habits to help stop the spread of illnesses like colds and the flu include
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Don’t share drinking straws, eating utensils, towels, etc.
- Stay home if you have a fever or a cough.
- Stay home from work and avoid doing errands when you are sick. This will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of dirty tissues appropriately.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Frequent hand washing will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean common household surfaces often - refrigerator door, faucet handles, etc… and especially those that young children come into contact with.
When in doubt, check it out! Contact your primary care doctor if you have
- A chronic disease
- A persistent fever
- A severe headache
- Chest pain
- Ear pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sinus pain
- Wheezing