Public Health

Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Contact Person for Referral:
Debbie Spicer, Flu Clinic Coordinator ext. 2317

Mercedes Iseri, Flu Program Assistant ext. 2456

Tel:
(541) 265-6611
Flu Shot Help Line: (541) 265-6611 ext: 2550

Questions and Answers

Q: What Is Influenza? (the Flu)

A: Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus.

It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

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, and;
about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Q: Did you know? Anyone can get the Flu, but the disease Is more severe for some people.

people A: Most people who get influenza will recover in one to two weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu. Millions of people in the United States – about 10% to 20% of U.S. residents will get influenza each year. An average of about 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and 114,000 per year have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza. Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

Q: When should you get your Flu shot?

A: Lincoln County Health and Human Services recommends getting your flu shot in late October through December or even later if needed.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in Oregon the Flu season peaks in January and ends it’s peak in March. They report that “>80% of peak influenza activity has not occurred until January or later, and in >60% of seasons, the peak was in February or later.” Therefore, the CDC has recommended that large vaccination clinics (e.g., health departments, occupational health clinics, and community vaccinators) should consider scheduling these events after at least mid-October.

Q: What are some Facts and Myths about Flu?

A: See our Flu Facts

Q: How is the influenza virus passed? How to know if you have the flu: The myth of the "Stomach Flu."

A: The flu is spread, or transmitted, when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends flu virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. The virus enters the nose, throat, or lungs of a person and begins to multiply, causing symptoms of influenza. Influenza may, less often, be spread when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it – a door handle, for instance – and then touches his or her nose or mouth.

How To Know if You Have the Flu

the sneeze Your respiratory illness might be the flu if you have sudden onset of body aches, fever, and respiratory symptoms, and your illness occurs during November through April (the usual flu season in the Northern Hemisphere). However, during this time, other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms and flu can be caught at any time of the year. It is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone. Doctors can perform tests to see if you have the flu if you are in the first few days of your illness.

The Myth of the "Stomach Flu"

Many people use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu – particularly in children – these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

Q: What should you do if you get the flu?

Get plenty of rest
Drink a lot of liquids
Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
Consider taking over the counter medications to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms)
Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to protect others form your germs.

Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications.

It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness.

If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children.

Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) don't work to cure it. The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine (flu shot) each fall, before flu season.

Q: Did you know? DO NOT give aspirin to a child or teenager who has the flu.

A: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms – and particularly fever – without first speaking to your doctor. Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have influenza can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take medicines that contain no aspirin to relieve symptoms.

children

pregnant woman and child Q: What about pregnant women and flu shots?

A: Pregnant women are at Increased Risk for Complications

All women who will be pregnant at any time during influenza season should be vaccinated.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

Q: Who should get the flu shot (influenza vaccine)?

A: See the CDC.

Q: What about the Nasal - Spray Flu Vaccine (LAIV)?

A: See the CDC. Lincoln County Health and Human Services will not be offering the Nasal Spray Vaccine at this time.

Q: Want to know more?

A: See Other Flu Questions and Answers from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Back to Flu page.