Gustavus Adolphus College

What is influenza (flu) ?

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.

Myth vs. Fact

• Myth: "The Flu isn't a serious disease."

Fact: Influenza (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu.

• Myth: "The flu shot doesn't work."

Fact: Most of the time the flu shot will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the flu shot has ranged from 70% to 90% when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection against the disease.

• Myth: "The flu shot can cause the flu."

Fact: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some people get a little soreness or redness where htey get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.

• Myth: "The side effects are worse than the flu."

Fact: The worse side effects you're likely to get from a shot is a sore arm. The risk of severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.

Good Health Habits

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
   Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Information provided by Gustavus Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More information about influenza (flu) is available from the CDC.