Influenza
The Flu
Information for families about influenza, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, prevention steps and when to seek medical care.
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.”
What Is the Flu?
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus attacks the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can be prevented by vaccination.
How Is Flu Spread?
The flu spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and sends the virus into the air. It can also spread, though less commonly, when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it and then touches their nose, mouth or eyes.
Symptoms of the Flu
- Fever
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, especially in children
What to Do if You Have the Flu
If you have the flu, or a temperature of 100°F or higher:
- Stay home.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently.
When to Seek Medical Care
If symptoms get worse, seek medical attention. Parents should contact their health care provider immediately if they have concerns about their child’s recovery, including difficulty breathing, unusual sleepiness or not taking enough fluids.
Do not give aspirin to children for flu symptoms because of the risk of Reye syndrome, an acute and potentially life-threatening condition associated with aspirin use during certain viral illnesses.
Can the Flu Be Prevented?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. September through November is the best time to get vaccinated, but vaccination in December or later can still be beneficial because influenza activity often occurs in January or later.
Other prevention steps include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work or school when sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Influenza vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and older and for people who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu.
It is especially recommended for people at high risk for serious flu complications or those who live with or care for people at high risk.
High-Risk Groups
- People with certain chronic conditions, including asthma and diabetes
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
- Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months
- Healthcare workers
Children Under 6 Months
The flu shot is not approved for children younger than 6 months. Young children can still get very sick from the flu, so the best way to protect them is to make sure household members and caregivers are vaccinated.
Flu Vaccine Safety
The risk of the flu vaccine causing serious harm is extremely small. Like any medicine, a vaccine may rarely cause serious problems, such as allergic reactions. Almost all people who receive the flu vaccine have no serious problems from it.
Possible side effects include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, and low-grade fever.
Is the Flu Dangerous?
Children younger than 2 years old, even healthy children, are at higher risk of hospitalization if they get the flu. Vaccinating young children, their families and caregivers can help protect them from illness. Children may also develop sinus problems and ear infections as flu complications.
Where to Get More Information
For more information, call your doctor, school health office, local health department or the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization Branch at 800-252-9152.