Preparing for the Flu Season Influenza Sarah Reynolds, RN, Health Educator, Fountain-Warren Co. Health Dept. fwhealth.

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Preparing for the Flu Season Influenza Sarah Reynolds, RN, Health Educator, Fountain-Warren Co. Health Dept. fwhealth."

Candace Anderson
7 years ago
Views:

1 Preparing for the Flu Season Influenza Sarah Reynolds, RN, Health Educator, Fountain-Warren Co. Health Dept. fwhealth.org ext.7

2 The Reader will be able to: List 3 symptoms of the Flu Describe how the Flu is transmitted List 3 ways the Flu can be prevented State who can receive the vaccine Recall where to get the vaccine

3 What is the Flu (influenza)? Influenza is a contagious illness caused by a virus. It effects the nose, throat, and lungs. The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine each year.

4 Signs and symptoms of Flu People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms: Fever/chills Cough Sore Throat Runny/stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (very tired) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. *It s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

5 Complications of Flu bacterial pneumonia ear infections, sinus infections

6 Complications of the Flu cont. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. o older people (65 and older), young children, pregnant women. o people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

7 How is it spread? When people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk, droplets of saliva can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

8 What to do if You Do get sick. Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care. If you get sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. If you are in a high risk group (young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions) and develop flu symptoms, it s best for you to contact your doctor. Remind them about your high risk status for flu.

9 What can I do to Protect myself?

10 Prevent seasonal flu: Get vaccinated Nasal Spray Flu Shot

11 Who should get vaccinated? Everyone should receive the influenza vaccine. Unless you are less than 6 months of age. For those who have a severe egg allergy there are egg-free vaccines available.

12 Who Should Not Receive an Influenza Vaccine? People who have previously had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination. Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group). People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

13 When should you get the Flu Vaccine? Cases of seasonal Flu tend to peak in January and/or February, But the season starts as early as October and can continue into May. Get your Flu shot as soon as it becomes available. Call your doctor or healthcare provider to find out when it is being offered. It takes up to 2 weeks after vaccination for your body to develop immunity (protection) against the virus.

14 Nasal Spray (live attenuated) approved for ages 2 49 years *FluMist *This vaccine does not cause the flu. Who should not get it. Children < 2 years. Adults >50 years People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine People who are allergic to eggs Children (2 years through 17 years of age) on long-term aspirin treatment. Pregnant women People with weakened immune systems and the people who care for those with weakened immune systems. Children 2-4 years who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months. People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs (Tamiflu ) within the previous 48 hours.

15 Flu Shot *Inactivated vaccines (containing killed flu virus) that is given with a needle. Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Contains 2 different influenza type A strains and 1 influenza type B strain. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine Contains 2 different influenza type A strains and 2 influenza type B strain.

16 Places to get vaccinated Davis Drugs Fountain-Warren County Health Dept ext. 7 St. Vincent North Clinic St. Vincent South Clinic CVS pharmacy Attica , Covington Check with your employer, sometimes they offer it free or at a discount to employees.

17 REMEMBER Cover your cough/sneeze Wash your hands Get vaccinated Stay home if you are sick

18 Cover your Cough/Sneeze Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands, when a tissue is not available. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer.

19 Proper Hand Washing Using Hand Sanitizer

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

NEWS RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Caroline Calderone Baisley Deborah C. Travers Director of Health Director of Family Health Tel [203] 622-7836 Tel [203] 622-7854 September 10, 2014 For Immediate Release