FLU BASICS

What is the Flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a viral disease of the respiratory tract -- the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs -- and is highly contagious. It is spread though airborne droplets of moisture produced by coughs or sneezes. When you breathe these germs in through your nose or mouth, you may come down with the flu, generally within one to three days of being exposed.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year on average five to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, although rates of infection vary among age groups and from one season to another. Outbreaks frequently start in school-age children, who carry the virus home and to other group activities.

Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, including pregnancy, are at risk for serious flu complications. The most serious, often life-threatening complication of the flu is pneumonia. Other complications include ear infection, bronchitis, chronic lung disease and fever-related convulsions. Croup and a lung disease called bronchiolitis can arise as complications in infants and young children.

If you, or a family member in your care, are a member of any of these groups, you should speak to your health care professional as soon as possible about your options for obtaining a flu shot this season.

Sources consulted: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm] and info at healthywomen.org]