Health Topics for Common Illnesses

UI Children's Hospital

UI Family Care Centers

Divisions Within the Department of Pediatrics

Flu

Flu, or influenza, is a common disease that affects people of all ages. Most people who get the flu are ill for a few days while others may be seriously ill and require hospital care.

Each year, flu-related illnesses cause thousands of deaths. Most deaths directly caused by the flu are in very young or very old people. The flu is primarily spread between people during the winter and early spring.

Many flu viruses exist and are passed from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. The risk is greater wherever large numbers of people gather in places like schools, nursing homes, shopping malls, and large companies.

The flu can cause a sudden onset of the following symptoms:

• fever and chills

• muscle aches

• sore throat and cough

• nasal congestion and headache or

• fatigue and weakness

No specific treatment exists for the flu. Bed rest, proper nutrition, and drinking lots of fluids are important. Antibiotics do not provide relief. Over-the-counter drugs may relieve coughing, fever, and muscle aches. Anti-viral drugs, such as amantadine, may shorten flu episodes.

People who are at risk for getting a serious case of the flu, or a complication from it, should get a flu shot every year. This group includes:

• all people 65 years of age or older

• residents of long-term care facilities

• any child or adult, including pregnant women, who has a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, anemia, diabetes, asthma, lung disease, or kidney disease

• people who are less able to fight infections because of a hereditary disease, HIV infection, or cancer treatment, particularly when x-ray or drug treatments have been used.

• children and teenagers from 6 months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment

• healthcare and community service workers and

• anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching the flu

It's best to get a flu shot every year in the fall. Children under 9 years of age may need a second shot after one month. The flu shot does not protect against any other virus or prevent anyone from getting the flu if already exposed. Its purpose is to lessen the risk of getting the flu and to decrease its severity if contracted.

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