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FLU-WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Learn about influenza, a serious respiratory illness with potentially severe symptoms. Discover flu statistics, risks for older adults, vaccination benefits, and prevention tips to stay healthy this flu season.

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FLU-WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

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  1. FLU-WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. Prepared by Mary Hakim, SN(Moravian College)

  2. What is Influenza? • Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by coming into contact with someone who is infected (CDC). • The flu can caused mild to severe symptoms and in serious cases, hospitalization or even death. • Common symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. • The flu activity begins to increase in October and can last as late as May. (2018, August 23). About Flu | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html

  3. Statistics • The CDC estimates that in the 2018-2019 Flu season there were: • 37.4 million – 42.9 million flu cases • 17.3 million – 20.1 million medical visits • 531,000 – 647,000 flu hospitalizations • 36,400 – 61,200 deaths (2019, February 19). Disease Burden of Influenza | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

  4. Older Adults • The flu is more severe in the older adult population because human immune defenses become weaker with age. • It is estimated that between 70% and 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older. • Between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group. (2019, February 12). People 65 Years and Older & Influenza | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm

  5. Pennsylvania Department of Health (2019, May 11). 2018-19 Flu. Retrieved from https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Flu/Pages/2018-19-Flu.aspx

  6. Pa County Influenza Type Total A B U Pennsylvania Department of Health (2019, May 11). 2018-19 Flu. Retrieved from https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Flu/Pages/2018-19-Flu.aspx

  7. June 12, 2019 • In a recent study published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), reports that older adults are much more likely to be hospitalized for the flu. Older adults 85 years and older are much more likely to die from flu related deaths and adults 65 to 74 years old. The frequency of fever and other typical symptoms often associated with the flu decrease after the age 65, making the flu harder to detect in older adults. Older adults are more likely to suffer from altered mental status, increasing the severity of influenza. (2019, June 12). Study Shows Hospitalization Rates and Risk of Death from Seasonal Flu Increase with Age. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2018-2019/hopitalization-rates-older.html

  8. Vaccination • During 2016-2017, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million influenza illnesses, 2.6 million influenza-associated medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations. • A 2018 study showed, the flu vaccine reduced the risk of being admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by 82%. • The flu vaccination can help prevent serious flu related complications such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, and cardiac events for those with pre-existing heart conditions. (2019, February 12). People 65 Years and Older & Influenza | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/65over.htm

  9. What You Need to Know • The best way to prevent getting the flu this year is to get vaccinated! • Everyone 6 months of age or older should get vaccinated every flu season. • Even though flu season does not start until October, the vaccine could take up to 2 weeks to achieve full effect so it’s best to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available. • Besides getting the flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the flu is by washing your hands and staying away from sick people to prevent germs from spreading. (2018, August 23). Prevent Seasonal Flu | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html

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