Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory organs including the nose, throat and lungs. The infection is normally seasonal, and it tends to peak during the fall and winter. Given that the onset of the flu is due to a virus, the illness doesn't have a cure. Nevertheless, for most people, the majority of flu symptoms tend to resolve on their own in about five days, though fatigue, weakness and cough can last for a couple of weeks.
At UPMC Pinnacle, the health of our patients and staff is our number one priority. If you are not feeling well, please do not visit patients in the hospital. This is especially true if you have cold, or flu-like symptoms (fever, congestion, sneezing, cough). It's not too late to get the flu shot. Even if you get it now, it will provide partial or full protection within two weeks. Call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment. Drive-through flu shot clinics are now available at several locations for current UPMC Pinnacle patients.
Prevention is always better than a cure. While the flu does not have a cure, flu vaccine injections and nasal sprays can help prevent it.
Health experts recommend an annual flu vaccine for everyone over six months old. Each vaccine offers protection against most influenza viruses responsible for the seasonal flu. The vaccine comes in the form of nasal sprays and injections, and it's administered once every year.
While the nasal sprays do tend to be as effective as the injections, they aren't for everyone. Nasal sprays can have adverse effects on children ages two to four who have asthma, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.
The flu virus can infect anyone. However, certain people are at a higher risk of catching the virus. These include:
Influenza is highly contagious, and it is believed that the virus spreads by droplets that develop when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus can spread from an infected person to an uninfected person within the first three to four days after the illness begins. However, you may still be able to spread it to another person up to seven days after becoming sick.
One major concern is that flu vaccine is not 100% effective. This means you or a family member may still become infected even after receiving an annual shot. When this occurs, you should respond appropriately to control the spread of the infection.
The infection is normally characterized by symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, body aches, chills, sneezing and coughing. Considering this, it is very easy to confuse the flu for a common cold due to the striking similarities. However, flu symptoms are more severe, and at times, they can become fatal if left unchecked.
Influenza does not have a cure, but there are treatments available that may help relieve flu symptoms. Treatment may also prevent the onset of serious flu complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
In most cases, treating the flu does not require medical intervention. Most flu patients can treat themselves at home using over-the-counter antiviral drugs and home remedies. For some people, particularly young children, and older adults, flu symptoms may develop into complicated conditions. This may lead to serious ailments such as pneumonia, heart problems, bronchitis, asthma attacks and ear infections.
To prevent serious problems, it is advisable that you visit a doctor as soon as possible when you notice the following symptoms:
Please remember to wash your hands frequently. Antibacterial hand sanitizer is available in the main lobbies, emergency department lobbies, patient rooms and nursing stations. Frequent hand washing will help prevent the spread of flu to our friends, family, patients, co-workers and their visitors.
Most healthy children and adults experiencing the following symptoms should stay home the first 24 hours. Those with high-risk health issues should call the doctor first, and consider getting care through their primary care doctor or urgent care center instead of going to the emergency room, unless symptoms worsen.
* It's important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
According to the Centers for Disease control, flu symptoms that require emergency care in children include:
In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:
Do not give over-the-counter medication to children under four without physician approval.
According to the Centers for Disease control, flu symptoms that require emergency care in adults include:
MyPinnacleHealth provides patients across the South Central Pa region with secure access to their health information. It is the fastest way to send a message to your doctor, refill prescriptions, get test results, and schedule and manage appointments, including video visits.Log-In or Sign Up Today
When it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is the best. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings and programs, classes and more.Contact Us