The Flu Virus

Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness.  Flu season is typically in the fall and winter here in the United States, peaking between December and February.  While similar in symptoms to the common cold, the flu virus tends to be more severe than the cold virus and often lasts longer.  Flu symptoms typically include the following:

• fever or feeling "feverish"
• chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny/stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• fatigue
  

You are most contagious the first 3-4 days after the onset of symptoms.  Additionally, "Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick", per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  Symptoms of the flu can present anywhere from 1-4 days after exposure to the virus.

Is it a cold or the flu?

While the cold and flu present with very similar symptoms, there are a few ways in which they differ.

• With a cold, there is usually no fever.  According to the CDC, a cold rarely presents with a fever over 101 degrees. The flu is usually associated with a fever, often between 100-102 degrees.
• The flu tends to present suddenly, rather than a gradual onset of symptoms.
• Body aches and pains are more prevalent with the flu, as is extreme exhaustion.
• In general, symptoms of a cold are less severe than the flu and cause fewer complications.
• A cold typically starts with a sore throat that goes away after a few days. A runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough are usually the main symptoms.

The CDC has a great chart to help you compare the symptoms of these viruses.

What do I do?

The flu can lead to several serious health complications so it is important to consult a physician. There are antiviral drugs available to treat the flu, but they must be prescribed by a health care provider.

*Regardless of your symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician to ensure you treat the illness the correct way. 



The best way to treat the flu is to avoid getting it! 

• The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine yearly
• Avoid sick people
• Wash your hands, preferably with soap and water but an alcohol based hand rub can also be used
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have been contaminated
• If you are sick it is important to stay home, cover your cough and sneeze, and wash your hands frequently to help reduce the spread of the germs

We hope you and your family stay healthy this winter!