Cover your cough

What is the flu?

The flu-short for influenza-is an illness of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily and can cause serious problems, especially for very young children, older people and people with certain long-term medical conditions like asthma and diabetes. The flu vaccine can protect against the disease.

 

Cover your cough

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu Symptoms can include the following:

  • Fever (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness

Some children with the flu will vomit or have diarrhea.

Symptoms start about 2 days after contact with the virus. Some people get better in a few days, others can be sick for weeks. People can spread the flu from one day before symptoms begin to 5-7 days after. This can be longer in children and people who are very sick.

Washing Hands

How serious is the flu?

Flu illness can be mild or very serious. Flu seasons also vary in how serious they are from one year to another.

Complications from the flu include:

  • Pneumonia (lung infection)
  • Dehydration (loss of body fluids)
  • Worsening of long-term medical conditions, like asthma and diabetes

 

Side Effects of the Nasal spray flu Vaccine

The most common side effects are usually mild & include the following:

  • Runny,stuffy nose
  • Cough or wheezing
  • Fever, headache, muscle aches
  • Stomach ache or diarrhea

Side effects of the flu shot

The most common side effects are usually mild & include the following

  • Redness, swelling & sore are from the shot
  • Fever, muscle aches

BENEFITS OF THE FLU VACCINE

  • Saves lives
  • Protects against serious disease
  • Protects against serious flu complications
  • Helps protect others

For additional information you may contact:

www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize

www.cdc.gov/vaccines