Seasonal Influenza Basics
Seasonal influenza, usually called the flu, is a viral illness that passes from one person to another all over the world. It travels between people in much the same way as many other common viruses.
Most flu spreads when someone who has it coughs or sneezes near other people. A person can also pick up the virus by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching their own nose or mouth.
Typical flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, a runny or congested nose, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea. It is possible to have the flu, with breathing-related symptoms, and never run a fever.
Flu can lead to serious illness, and some cases have been fatal.
Can I get vaccinated against the flu?
Yes. Doctors, clinics and pharmacies offer a seasonal flu shot that guards against the strains expected each year. Even after you are vaccinated, keep covering your coughs and sneezes and washing your hands often. Staying current on other shots, such as Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and pneumococcal vaccines, also lowers your chance of catching more than one infection at the same time.
A list of local flu vaccine and antiviral medication providers is available as a PDF.
If you come down with a flu-like illness, the CDC advises staying home until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine. Leave home only for medical care or other essentials, and limit contact with other people. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash or sanitize your hands each time.
Someone in my household has the flu. Can I still go to work?
If you feel well, you can keep going to work even when someone in your household has the flu. Check yourself for symptoms each day and follow everyday habits that prevent spread, especially washing your hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing.
When soap and water are out of reach, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol. If you start to feel sick, tell your supervisor and stay home. Workers who are pregnant or who have an underlying health condition should check with their doctor, who may recommend antiviral medicine to help prevent infection.
How should I wash my hands to help prevent the flu?
Frequent handwashing is one of the best defenses against germs. The CDC suggests scrubbing with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. If you cannot get to a sink, an alcohol-based gel or disposable sanitizing wipe will do.
How long does the flu virus survive on things like doorknobs and books?
Research shows the flu virus can live on surfaces and still infect someone for roughly 2 to 8 hours after it lands there.
Which surfaces are most likely to spread germs?
When a sick person coughs or sneezes, droplets carrying the virus are released into the air and settle on nearby surfaces. Someone who later touches that surface, such as a desk, and then rubs their eyes, nose or mouth before washing up can become infected. Any object handled with contaminated hands can pass germs along in the same way.
For more health guidance, contact Health and Environment at (555) 010-1261.
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