Frequently Asked questions

  • What is the flu?

    The flu (also known as influenza) is a respiratory (breathing) infection caused by different types of flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to further complications and death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

  • How is the flu spread?

    The flu spreads when a person sneezes or coughs. Droplets containing the virus spread into the air and other people breathe them in. It also spreads when someone touches something that has been touched by a person with the flu. Flu virus on your skin infects you when you touch or rub your eyes, nose or mouth. It spreads quickly in large groups of people who spend time in close contact, such as in daycare facilities, schools, college dormitories, military barracks, offices and nursing homes. It is spread when a person:

    • Breathes in droplets in the air that contain the flu virus
    • Shares drinks or utensils with an infected person
    • Handles items contaminated by an infected person, such as countertops, phones, doorknobs, stair rails, computer keyboards and shopping carts.

  • When is a person contagious?

    A person can have the flu and spread germs even before they have any symptoms. This can begin 24 hours before becoming sick and may continue for up to seven (5-7) days after they begin having symptoms. Some young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for more than a week.

  • When is a person no longer contagious?

    A person is no longer considered contagious 24 hours after a fever resolves without the use of a fever-reducing medication (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). However, if flu symptoms other than fever do not seem to improve, or go away and seem to come back worse than before, call your doctor.

  • How is the flu diagnosed?

    Most of the time, the flu is diagnosed by symptoms. Although symptoms similar to flu may be caused by other infections, most people with the flu have a sudden onset of fever (but not always), muscle aches, headache and dry cough. Most people with flu symptoms do not require testing because the test results usually do not change treatment.

  • How is the flu treated?

    Most people who have the flu only need to be treated for their symptoms - with plenty of fluids, plenty of rest and medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and muscle aches. For certain people however, and those at risk for serious flu complications, antiviral medications may be appropriate. Ask your doctor if antiviral medications are right for you. These medications are most effective if used within the first 48 hours of symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay at home until you have had no fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better, if they seem to be getting worse, or if they go away and then come back worse than before.

  • If someone is coughing and sneezing, should they wear a mask in the community or at home?

    If someone is coughing and sneezing and is suspected of being infected with the flu, a mask can be considered. However, a mask does not entirely prevent the spread of viruses.

  • How can I decrease my chances of getting the flu?

    • 1) Get vaccinated
    • 2) Take everyday preventive actions:
    • Cover your cough. Cough and sneeze into a tissue, sleeve or elbow rather than your hand. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) after sneezing or coughing, after using the bathroom, before you eat, and before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    • Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
    • Don't share silverware, drinks or personal care items with anyone.
    • Take precautions when in close contact with sick people.
    • Practice social distancing. Keep a distance of at least 3 feet from other people during the flu season. Avoid crowds, shaking hands, kissing and other measures as much as possible.

  • Who is most at risk for complications of the flu?

    • Children younger than age five years of age, but especially children younger than two years of age.
    • Adults 65 years of age and older.
    • Pregnant women
    • People who have chronic medical problems, including weakened immune systems, asthma, neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, HIV, AIDS, cancer, people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and people who are morbidly obese.

  • Are pregnant women at higher risk for flu complications?

    Changes to a pregnant woman’s body and immune system put her at higher risk of developing severe problems from the flu. All pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine. Vaccination can prevent the flu, which prevents complications. As an added benefit, experts say that a pregnant woman’s vaccination may also lower her newborn’s risk of getting the flu.