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CDC Flu Guidelines

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that can lead to death if not treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 200,000 people are hospitalized due to the flu and 36,000 people die from the flu each year. The influenza virus is spread from person to person in droplets that become airborne when someone coughs or sneezes. It can be extremely contagious and can be passed on even before a person starts to experience flulike symptoms.

  1. Symptoms

    • High fever, headache, fatigue, a cough, runny nose, sore throat and stomach symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea are the most common flu symptoms. If let untreated, the flu can lead to critical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes and even death. If you or your child has a high fever, trouble breathing, bluish skin, or seems disoriented, call a doctor right away, as these are serious flu symptoms that need immediate attention.

    Flu Season

    • According to the CDC, flu season starts in the winter months for the Northern Hemisphere. Flu season generally begins in November and reaches its peak in February.

    Surveillance

    • During flu season, the CDC's Epidemiology and Prevention Branch monitors influenza activity in order to better predict future outbreaks and provide appropriate vaccines. The CDC keeps surveillance on the flu through five different techniques: laboratory research (viral surveillance), studies of geographic spread, hospital reports, outpatient studies and the tracking of flu-related deaths.

    Vaccinations

    • The best way to keep from getting the flu is to obtain a flu vaccine. The vaccine can be delivered in two ways: flu shot or nasal spray. Young children and senior citizens are urged to get vaccinations at the start of every flu season due to their lowered immune systems.
      Some people shy away from getting the flu vaccine because they think they will get the flu from the shot, but Kaiser Permanente states that this is a myth. You may experience a slight reaction to the shot, but you won't contract the virus from it.
      Children under the age of 6 months and those who have had negative reactions to the shot in the past are advised not to get the shot. Those who should get vaccinated are: children older than 6 months, pregnant women, people older than 50, people with chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes and people who work/care for those at high risk of complications of flu.

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