Influenza how does it work

Doctors won't prescribe antibiotics for the flu. Antibiotics work only against bacteria, not viruses. If they get the flu, their illness can be more serious. They can develop pneumonia or get even sicker from other kinds of infections like bacterial infections.

If this happens, many will need medical care in the hospital. So it's important for them not to be near anyone who has the flu or flu-like symptoms. People who have flu symptoms should keep their distance from anyone who might get very sick if they catch the flu. Fever and other flu symptoms often go away after a week or so, but some people may still have a cough or feel weak for longer than that. There's no guaranteed way to avoid the flu. But getting the flu vaccine every year can help.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get it each year. Most doctor's offices, clinics, and drugstores offer the flu vaccine from September to mid-November. It's best to get it before the end of October. But even if you don't get it at the start of the flu season, it's not too late to get one while the flu is still going around.

If your child is sick, has a fever, or is wheezing, talk to your doctor to see if you need to reschedule the flu vaccine. Reviewed by: Jonathan M. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is the Flu? They might have: a fever that comes on suddenly chills headache muscle aches dizziness loss of appetite tiredness a cough sore throat runny nose nausea or vomiting weakness ear pain diarrhea Babies with the flu also may suddenly seem fussy or just "not look right.

Is the Flu Contagious? How Is the Flu Diagnosed? How Is the Flu Treated? Most kids with flu get better at home. Make sure your child: drinks lots of liquids to prevent dehydration gets plenty of sleep and takes it easy takes acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches. That's why that time is called the flu season.

The timeframe can vary each year. It takes at least two weeks for your shot to start working, so try to get your flu shot by the end of October. Don't worry if you can't get your flu shot before the flu season starts. The shot can help keep you healthy no matter when you get it. You can get a flu shot at your doctor's office or from your local health department.

Sometimes grocery or drug stores offer flu shots. The vaccine is the same wherever you receive it. Use the vaccine finder to find a vaccine in your area. You need a flu shot every year for two reasons.

First, flu viruses change. Each year's virus may be just a little different. If the virus changes, the vaccine used in the flu shot is changed. Second, the protection you get from a flu shot lessens with time, especially in older people.

So, you should get the shot every fall to do your best to stay protected from the flu. Most people have no problem with a flu shot. In fact, for most people, the flu is far more dangerous than the flu shot. When you get the flu shot, your arm might be sore, red, or a bit swollen. These side effects may start shortly after getting the shot and can last up to two days. They should not get in the way of your daily activities. A few people do have a headache or a low-grade fever for about a day after they get the shot.

The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. If you are allergic to eggs, you can usually get the flu shot. However, if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot, you should not get a new flu shot. If you get the flu, there are things you can do to feel better. First, call your doctor to see if there are medicines that can help. Remind him or her if you are taking drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that make it hard for your body to fight illness.

There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after the flu begins, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly.

Antibiotics do not help you get over the flu. They are sometimes prescribed to help you get over a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses. Antivirals can also be used to prevent flu. If you hear that there is a flu outbreak in your area, check with your doctor. He or she could prescribe an antiviral that might protect you. Prevention is key. The first choice for preventing the flu is a flu shot.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Key Facts About Influenza Flu. Minus Related Pages. What is Influenza Flu? Flu Symptoms Influenza flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. On This Page. What is Influenza also called Flu? How Flu Spreads. Who is most likely to be infected with influenza?

How is seasonal incidence of influenza estimated? Table 1. Period of Contagiousness. People with flu are most contagious in the first days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time. Onset of Symptoms. Complications of Flu. People at High Risk from Flu. Preventing Seasonal Flu. Diagnosing Flu. Treating Flu.