Flu Facts

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

See also