Politics & Government

9 Things to Know About The Flu

Did you know the virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours at room temperature?

Flu season is just around the corner and the Oakland County Health Division urges residents to get vaccinated against the virus.

Shots cost $20 and will be available at the Health Division offices in Pontiac and Southfield from noon-8 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays starting Sept. 17. Visit www.oakgov.com/health to register or find more information about community outreach clinics.

“The flu typically takes the lives of 36,000 Americans a year," Health Division Manager/Health Officer Kathy Forzley said. "Getting an annual flu shot not only lessens the chance of getting the flu, but also helps decrease the severity of the illness and complications.” 

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The Health Division offers the following flu primer.

What is Flu? 

Flu is a respiratory illness caused by a number of different influenza viruses. 

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Who can get Flu? 

People in all age groups can get the Flu. Those at high risk for developing complications include children under the age of 2, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65, and those who have a chronic disease such as cancer, heart disease, HIV, diabetes and/or asthma. 

How is Flu spread? 

The flu virus is spread from person to person by airborne droplets produced through sneezing, coughing, and speaking. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours at room temperature. Sometimes people become infected by touching objects with the flu virus on it, then touching their mouth or nose. You cannot become infected by receiving the Influenza vaccine. 

What are the symptoms of Flu? 

Symptoms usually start suddenly with fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, runny nose, chills and sore throat. 

How long after exposure do symptoms first begin? 

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure. 

How long is a person contagious? 

Infected people are usually contagious from 1 day prior to 7 or more days after becoming ill. 

Is Flu dangerous? 

Flu can be life threatening. Most people are sick for only a few days. However, some may develop pneumonia. 

Is there a treatment for Flu? 

Prescription drugs called antiviral agents can be used to prevent or treat the flu. Children and teens with flu should not be given aspirin or aspirin products because of the risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome. If you are sick, stay home, rest and drink lots of fluids. 

How can Flu be prevented? 

• Get the flu shot every year. 

• Avoid contact with sick people whenever possible. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. 

• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. 

• Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing, sneezing or touching common surfaces like door knobs, keyboards and telephones. You can also use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. 


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