Flu

Even if you get the flu vaccine and take everyday preventive action you can still be unlucky and get the flu...it's one of the smartest viruses known to man - HWN

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What the Flu Does to Your Body, and Why It Makes You Feel So Awful

Every year, from 5 to 20 percent of the people in the United States will become infected with influenza virus. An average of 200,000 of these people will require hospitalization and up to 50,000 will die. Older folks over the age of 65 are especially susceptible to influenza infection, since the immune system becomes weaker with age. In addition, older folks are also more susceptible to long-term disability following influenza infection, especially if they are hospitalized.

We all know the symptoms of influenza infection include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. But just what causes all the havoc? What is going on in your body as you fight the flu?

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To Flu Shot or Not?

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Many companies now have policies against going into workplaces when ill, but it has taken a global pandemic to highlight what should be a basic ethical norm: an individual should be responsible for reducing the risk of passing on the pathogens they catch. One of the lessons of the covid-19 pandemic is that public health is everyone’s responsibility – or it should be.

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Resources

3 things parents should know about flu

Seasonal flu is a respiratory disease that can cause fever, chills, headache, malaise, muscle pain, cough, and a sore throat. These symptoms come on really fast — within 24 hours or so — and should improve over the course of a week (but can last a little longer in young ones). Kids with flu may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.

8 Flu Myths Parents Can Stop Believing Right Now

Flu season is never pleasant, but believing these fallacies make it that much worse.

FluTrackers.com

Tracking Infectious Diseases since 2006.

European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary

Joint ECDC-WHO/Europe weekly influenza update.

Immunization Action Coalition

The Immunization Action Coalition works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services.