What Everyone Should Know About Flu Risks and Prevention

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall.

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Annual hospitalizations for the flu now average approximately 200,000, up from 114,000 just two decades ago. And there were 36,000 deaths last year, compared to 20,000 annually just 20 years ago, said officials at the conference, which was sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the National Coalition for Adult Immunization.

Some people are at high risk for serious flu complications, such as healthcare and social workers, teachers, people 50 years old and older, travelers, students, young children, and people with certain health conditions.

Symptoms & Complications of Flu

Symptoms of flu include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

Gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults.

Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

How Flu Spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you�re sick as well as while you are sick.

People 50 to 64 Years Old

Nearly one-third of people 50 to 64 years of age in the United States have one or more medical condition that place them at increased risk for serious complications from the flu. These include chronic disorders in their pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma; those with diabetes, anemia, and heart, kidney and liver disease, or AIDS. For that reason, since 2000, it has been recommended that all people 50 to 64 years of age are protected against the flu.

People Who Can Give the Flu to Others at High Risk for Complications

To help prevent spreading the flu to those at high risk for complications from the illness, the following people should get vaccinated:

    * Anyone (including children 6 months and older) who lives with someone in a high-risk group;

    * Doctors, nurses, and other employees in hospitals and doctors� offices, including emergency response services;

    * People who work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities who have contact with patients or residents;

    * People who work in assisted living and other residences for people in high-risk groups; and

    * Anyone who provides care to those in high-risk groups (including children under the age of 2).
Pregnancy, Flu and Flu Vaccine

Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications from the flu and are more likely to be hospitalized from flu complications than non-pregnant women of the same age. In previous worldwide outbreaks of influenza (like the pandemics of 1918-19 and 1957-58), there were many deaths among pregnant women associated with influenza. It is not known why pregnant women are at higher risk, but pregnancy can change a woman�s immune system and affect her cardiovascular system (heart and lung function). These changes may place a pregnant woman at increased risk for complications from the flu.

General Population

Anyone who wants to lower their chances of getting the flu should take preventative measures to boost their immune system. People who provide essential community services (such as police officers and firefighters) should consider getting a vaccinated to minimize disruption of key public-service activities during flu outbreaks. Students who live in dormitories or anyone who lives in an institutional setting should also be encouraged due to crowded living conditions.

Travelers

The risk of getting the flu during travel depends on the destination and time of travel. In the tropics, the flu can occur at any time of year. In the Southern Hemisphere, most influenza activity occurs from April through September. In the Northern and Southern hemispheres, travelers also can be exposed to the flu during the summer, especially when traveling as part of large tourist groups that include people from areas of the world where influenza virus is circulating.

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* For �White Paper� on LingZhi Medicinal Mushroom by Dr. Chris Meletis � Click Here

Dr. Chris Meletis is the former Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon for 7 years.

© 2004 by Dr. Chris D. Meletis and Vital Age International, Inc.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


















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