Written by Emma Ewing and Alyssa Whittaker EXCITE Project University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year thousands die from the flu, and even more people are hospitalized. The flu infects the nose, throat, and the lungs. Flu is a very serious disease and can cause mild to severe illness, as well as possible death.
Causes
Scientists believe the flu is spread through tiny droplets made when people with the flu virus, cough, sneeze, or talk. The symptoms of flu vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms include, fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children).
Prevention
There are many ways to prevent the flu including avoiding people who are sick, taking steps for cleaner air, washing your hands, and covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
One of the most important things to do to protect yourself against the flu is to get vaccinated! While the vaccine is recommended for everyone to help fight off the flu, it is highly recommended for infants, young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. Flu vaccines work by creating antibodies two weeks after getting the vaccine.
Flu vaccines are designed to protect against all three types of influenza. The flu vaccination makes the flu less dangerous, by lessening the severity of symptoms. Additionally, flu vaccinations reduce the need for doctors visits, or hospitalizations. The antibodies from the vaccine may also prevent people from getting the flu altogether.
Get your updated vaccines today. For the latest guidance on flu vaccination visit cdc.gov/vaccines or https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/
About UD Cooperative Extension’s health disparities work
The Extension Foundation, in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, through an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding the Cooperative Extension System to address health disparities among rural and other underserved communities.
This initiative is called the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE). University of Delaware has completed multiple projects and programs under EXCITE, helping provide a better understanding and awareness of vaccine education to community members, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
References:
“About Influenza.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Aug. 2024, www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
“Preventing Seasonal Flu.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Aug. 2024, www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/?s_cid=SEM.GA%3APAI%3ARG_AO_GA_TM_A18_F-FLU-FAQ-Brd%3Abest+way+to+prevent+flu%3ASEM00101&utm_id=SEM.GA%3APAI%3ARG_AO_GA_TM_A18_F-FLU-FAQ-Brd%3Abest+way+to+prevent+flu%3ASEM00101&gad_source=1.
“Flu Basics.” SOM – State of Michigan, www.michigan.gov/flu/basics#:~:text=What%20to%20Do%20If%20You,2%20days%20after%20illness%20onset . Accessed 21 Oct. 2024 .
“Key Facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Sept. 2024, www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html.
