Health Information

Seasonal flu—a respiratory illness that occurs each year and is passed easily

from person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is

available.

Avian flu—caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds.

The H5N1 strain has proven deadly to domestic fowl. It has infected some humans,

most of whom had direct close contact with infected birds. The H5N1

virus has also infected pigs, cats, tigers, a leopard, ferrets, and stone martens.

There have been very few cases of the illness passing from person to person.

No vaccine is available.

Pandemic flu—a new strain of flu that spreads easily from person to person

and causes widespread illness and death. In history there have been three

pandemics (1918 Spanish Flu, 1957 Asian Flu, 1968 Hong Kong Flu), and

experts believe another pandemic is imminent. If a pandemic occurred, it

would take approximately 6 months to develop a vaccine effective against the

new strain of virus.

1  Cover your cough.

2 Wash your hands.

3  Stay home if sick.

                                         COLD                                                        INFLUENZA

Fever                                 Rare                                                        Usually present

Body Aches                       Slight                                              Usually present, often severe

Chills                             Uncommon                                                   Fairly common

Tiredness                           Mild                                                       Moderate to severe

Coughing               Hacking, productive cough                                Dry, unproductive cough

Sneezing                        Common                                                        Uncommon

Stuffy nose                     Common                                                         Uncommon

Sore throat                     Common                                                         Uncommon

Chest Discomfort         Mild to moderate                                                 Often severe

Headache                      Uncommon                                                         Common

Appetite                            Normal                                                           Decreased

Symptoms                    Develop gradually                                 Can appear within 3-6 hours

 

Protect yourself from all types of flu.

√ Get an annual flu vaccination.

√ Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use an antibacterial hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

√ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

√ Sanitize common surfaces such as doorknobs, faucets and telephones.

√ Do not share personal items with anyone, not even family members.

√ Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

√ Keep your immune system strong with regular exercise, plenty of rest and healthy food choices.

√ Decrease your stress level.

√ Drink plenty of water.

√ Stop smoking.

Copyright (c) 2007
by the St Clair County Health Center
Osceola, Missouri

This page updated 12/28/2006
by

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