The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications;
- 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years of age; and
- about 36,000 people die from flu.
Some individuals, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) are at high risk for serious flu complications.
How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth and nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. This means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu include:
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (can occur but are more common in children than adults)
Riverside County Vaccination Clinic Information
For a complete listing of vaccination clinics sponsored by the Riverside County Public Health Department, please click here.