Influenza or flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus.  Those infected with the flu virus, will usually feel symptoms 1-4 days after being infected.  Flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:  fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

Infected individuals can spread the flu to others before they have symptoms and for another three to seven days after symptoms start.  Children can pass the virus for longer than seven days.

Students who are ill should stay home until 4-5 days after symptoms start.  We recommend that you consult your primary care physician or your local clinic if you have symptoms.  If your family has been affected by the flu and you plan to visit your local health provider please let them know in advance that you are having flu-like symptoms to reduce the transmission to other patients.  Here are some tips for helping those who are sick with the flu:

• Have them drink a lot of liquid (juice, water)
• Keep the sick person as comfortable as possible.  Rest is important.
• For fever, sore throat and muscle aches, use ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Do not use aspirin with children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.
• Keep tissues and a trash bag within reach of the sick person.  Instruct them not to cough into their hand, coughing should be done into a sleeve or other article of clothing.
• Be sure everyone in your home washes their hands frequently.
• Keep the people who are sick with the flu away from the people who are not sick.

Anyone who knows they have been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms, should avoid visiting hospitals and nursing homes.

Influenza is an illness that causes illness in millions of people each year—an estimated 10% to 20% of U.S. residents, with 36,000 deaths on average.  For more information about influenza, browse our web site or call the Four Corners Health Department toll free at (877) 337-3573 or local (402) 362-2621.