Learn how to protect yourself against this highly contagious respiratory infection that sickens so many each year. Here’s a hint, cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands often, and get your flu shot. 

What is the Flu?

Influenza, also commonly called “flu,” is a serious respiratory infection. Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is spread through the air (coughing and sneezing) or by direct contact from one person to another (shaking hands).

Seasonal flu usually begins in early October and lasts until late May. In Tennessee, flu activity is typically worst during February and March. The flu is highly contagious. It is estimated that each year, between 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. And, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year in the United States alone, as many as 36,000 deaths are caused by the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with flu-related complications. Furthermore, throughout history, there have been massive outbreaks of the flu, called pandemic flu—further evidence that the flu is dangerous and highly contagious.

Flu Symptoms

The broad range of symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea

Flu symptoms typically last for four or five days. It’s important to remember that as long as you have flu symptoms, you are contagious. Visit your health care provider if you suspect you may have the flu. Your doctor can tell if your symptoms are the result of a cold, flu or other respiratory infection.

Here are some tips to prevent the spread of the disease:

• Wash and disinfect your hands often
• Use a tissue - or your shirt sleeve - to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
• Do not reuse tissues
• Keep a safe distance from others when you are sick
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink a minimum eight 8-ounces of water daily
• Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low-fat dairy products and lean meats