Flu Information
Influenza
or “flu” is an infection of the nose, throat,
and lungs caused by the influenza virus. It is not the upset
stomach popularly called “stomach flu”. The
flu is highly contagious and is spread person to person
through the air by coughing or sneezing. It is also spread
by direct contact with infected people. Flu symptoms usually
begin 1 to 4 days after being infected with the flu virus.
Symptoms include chills, fever, cough, headache, muscle
aches, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. Influenza can
be a serious illness that causes severe complications such
as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Thousands
of deaths each year are caused by influenza.
There are two major types of influenza
viruses:
-
Type A generally causes the most severe
symptoms
-
Type B causes symptoms similar to Type
A, but usually less severe.
The most important way to
prevent influenza is vaccination. There is
a new vaccine every year because the flu viruses change
from year to year. The shot you received last year won’t
protect you this year. People at higher risk of complications
should get the flu vaccine each year. The best time is between
October and mid-November. However, the flu vaccine can be
given at any time during the influenza season.
Maryland Health Care Workers Influenza Initiative
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| Flu Facts
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| Flu Surveillance and Data
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Other Flu Websites
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Maryland
Influenza Pandemic Plan
are PDF. Download