Flu Season’s Arrival Means It’s Time to Get Vaccinated/WiREDInternational.org

Influenza or flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by several viruses. Flu resembles the common cold because it infects the same organs (nose, throat, lungs) and has similar symptoms. However, the flu can develop additional symptoms and become much more severe than most common colds. Some high-risk groups are especially vulnerable to complications from the flu. They include children younger than two years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, lung disease and heart disease.

Antiviral drugs are no substitute for vaccinations, but they offer an important second line of defense. Getting prompt treatment with antiviral drugs and staying home will lessen the duration of the flu by several days. This is especially important for members of high-risk groups. It is worth noting that antibiotics do nothing to address the flu because antibiotics address bacterial infections, and the flu is a viral infection.

Flu season in the northern hemisphere typically occurs between October and May. It can take up to three weeks for the vaccine to build up the body’s immunity, so schedule your flu shot today!

WiRED offers two flu modules in its Health Learning Center: one for health care professionals and one for grassroots audiences. The general audience module describes the flu, discusses who is at highest risk, how to prevent the flu and how to treat it. The module designed for health care workers and other health professionals offers a detailed examination of the three virus types that cause the flu. The course looks at issues such as virus structure, antigenic drift and antigenic shifting, compares seasonal and pandemic influenza, and presents additional resources for further study.

Flu season in the northern hemisphere typically occurs between October and May. It can take up to three weeks for the vaccine to build up the body’s immunity, so schedule your flu shot today!

Do’s and Don’ts

Do get a flu shot
Do wash your hands properly and regularly
Do avoid sick people
Do cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing
Do get antiviral drugs promptly when sick
Do keep hydrated and get lots of rest
Don’t take antibiotics (flu is caused by a virus, not a bacteria)
Don’t smoke
Don’t overload with cold remedies or exercise