Flu Facts
A Medical Expert Gives the Low-Down
What is influenza?
Dr. Kevin A. Slavin: Influenza, or
flu, is an infection caused by a virus.
Typical symptoms begin suddenly, usually
with fever, chills, body aches,
headaches and fatigue as the first sign of
disease. Respiratory symptoms such as
runny nose, sore throat and cough, may
not occur in the earliest stages of disease.
Children are more likely than adults to
have vomiting and diarrhea.
What causes influenza?
Dr. Slavin: There are two types of flu
viruses that cause illness in people: influenza
A and B. Each type of virus can
have many different strains. Small
changes in the strains from year to year
can cause seasonal flu epidemics. When
a brand new strain of influenza A circulates,
one that has never caused illness in
people before, a pandemic occurs.
When is “flu season?”
Dr. Slavin: In the northern hemisphere,
flu typically occurs during the
late fall and winter. In New Jersey, peak
activity is usually in January and February.
In recent years, flu has occurred as
early as September and as late as June.
How is flu spread?
Dr. Slavin: Flu is spread mostly
through the air. When an infected person
talks, coughs or sneezes the virus may
travel as far as six feet, landing on someone
else’s mouth or nose. Less often,
virus on a surface (such as a doorknob)
can get on someone’s hand and they
might accidently get infected by touching
their mouth or nose.
How can we stop the spread?
Dr. Slavin: Hand washing with soap
and water or using hand sanitizers can
prevent the spread of infection. Frequently
touched surfaces should be
cleaned frequently. Avoid touching
your mouth or nose. Eating utensils
and drinking glasses should not be
shared and should be washed with
soap and water. Practicing “cough etiquette”
is another way to prevent
spread of infection to others. Cough or
sneeze into a tissue and wash hands
after. If a tissue is not available,
coughing or sneezing into the upper
sleeve or elbow is a way to decrease
spread of virus to others. People who
are sick with the flu should stay home
until they recover.
How can I keep
from getting sick?
Dr. Slavin: Influenza vaccination is
the best way to prevent flu and its complications.
Vaccine has been shown to
By Kevin A. Slavin, MD
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness 16
on the Flu and Enteroviruses