Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection. Those that are generally healthy will experience symptoms to varying degrees and recover fully in a week to ten days. For young children, the elderly or those with a chronic illness, the flu can be life-threatening. Preventing infection in the first place is key.
Viruses are spread through direct contact (within one to two metres, airborne transmission) or indirect contact (surfaces). Signs and symptoms of the seasonal flu vary from one person to another but usually include a combination of:
• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue and feeling weak
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle aches and pains
• Runny, stuffy nose
• Chest discomfort, coughing
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can also occur. Most cases of the flu tend to be mild. However, if you do not start to feel better after a few days or if your symptoms get worse, please consult your health care provider.
Prevention
• Wash your hands often, using plenty of soap and warm water. Germs can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
• Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often throughout the day.
• Disinfect common surfaces in your home and work.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your sleeve or elbow.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you become sick, stay at home. This will prevent the spread of germs to other employees in your workplace as well as people you may come into contact with through your daily routine.
• Talk to your health care provider about the annual flu shot.
If someone in your family gets sick:
• Designate one person as the caregiver.
• Avoid sharing personal items.
• Disinfect surfaces in the home that are frequently touched.
• Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up bodily fluids.