Flu

Our Approach

At Franciscan Health, we prevent flu with the flu vaccine. Vaccines are widely available and last for one year. We recommend vaccines for most people, especially those at risk for complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is safe and greatly reduces your risk of getting the flu. We also treat people who develop more serious complications from the flu.

Flu diagnosis and treatment

The flu is a contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. You can catch the flu (influenza) from close contact with someone who has the infection. People are more likely to get the flu during the winter.

Doctors typically diagnosis the flu based on symptoms. We may also conduct a lab test to confirm the diagnosis.

People with the flu usually don’t need prescription medication. Your doctor might prescribe antiviral medication if your case is more serious. Those with healthy immune systems can recover at home by:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Staying hydrated
• Using over-the-counter drugs to treat pain and fever

Flu prevention

The flu vaccine is typically effective, but it doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu. You can reduce your risk by:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Avoiding groups of people

Flu symptoms

People sometimes confuse the flu with the common cold. But flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms. Unlike a cold, the flu develops rapidly. Flu symptoms usually go away after about two weeks.

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever with chills or sweats
• Fatigue
• Congestion or runny nose
• Dry cough
• Body aches and headache
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite

Flu risk factors

People more likely to get the flu include:

• Young children
• People over 65
• Healthcare and childcare workers
• Nursing home residents
• People with weakened immune systems or chronic illness

Flu complications

Some people are more at risk for developing serious complications. Those at risk include pregnant women, older adults, young children and those with weakened immune systems. Complications for these people can include:

• Bronchitis
• Sinus and ear infections 
• Pneumonia 
• Death