Key Facts About Influenza (FLU)

Flu is spread mainly by droplets when people with flu cough, sneeze or even talk. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Once infected with the flu virus, an individual may be able to infect others one day before feeling symptoms and up to seven days after becoming sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms and still infect those around them.

Flu-Like Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea or may be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever

Here are some tips to help get through the flu season:

• Get vaccinated - CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue is not available cough or sneeze into the crook of the arm (elbow). (wash your hands)
• Wash your hands with soap and water often. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• If you are sick with flu like symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

For more information on flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or www.flu.gov.