Fact sheet: influenza in Georgia, No. 19 (Feb. 2001)

February 2001

DHR Office of Communications

Georgia Department of Human Resources

INFLUENZA IN GEORGIA

Influenza, also called "flu," is a highly infectious viral illness commonly causing fever, muscle aches and coughing. Seasonal epidemics occur yearly in the fall and winter months. During an average flu season, 20,000 Americans die and 110,000 are hospitalized due to complications from influenza. Approximately 10-20% of Georgia's population gets the flu every year. In 1998, 2,258 Georgians died from influenza and pneumonia.
Who can get flu? Influenza is very contagious, and anyone can become infected. Influenza spreads easily from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu virus can also survive on surfaces outside the human body for hours. People might become infected by getting the virus on their hands and then rubbing their eyes or nose.
What are the symptoms of flu? Typical symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue. People with flu usually recover completely in one to two weeks, but some people suffer severe complications, such as pneumonia.
Is there a vaccine for the flu? Yes. There are many different strains of influenza, and the strains circulating change frequently. Each year, a new vaccine is made to prevent the flu viruses expected to dominate during the winter months. Because the flu changes constantly, people should get a new flu shot every year.
Who should get a flu shot? Anyone wanting to protect themselves against flu can be vaccinated, but the shot is recommended for people most likely to experience complications of the flu. Anyone 50 years of age or older; people with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys; people with blood disorders and immune system problems; and people with metabolic disease, such as diabetes, are at high risk for complications. Children and teens on aspirin therapy, women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, and nursing home residents should also get a flu shot. Even healthy people who could expose

high-risk persons to the flu should get a vaccine each year. This includes health care workers and family members.
Where can I get a flu shot? Flu shots are given at most public health departments and doctors' offices. It is best to get a flu shot in the fall, before influenza season begins.
Can the flu shot give me the flu? No. Flu vaccine contains no live virus and only parts of killed viruses. The vaccine boosts the immune response against influenza. There may be some soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given. Other possible mild side effects include a headache and low-grade fever for a day after the vaccination. The risks from the disease are much greater than the risks from the vaccine.
What can I do to keep from getting the flu? The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot each year. Also wash your hands frequently, and avoid rubbing your eyes or nose. If you do get the flu, get plenty of rest, and drink lots of liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated. To reduce fever, take a non-aspirin pain reliever. Amantadine and rimantadine are two antiviral drugs available by prescription for treatment and prevention of influenza A. Zanamivir and oseltamivir are two newer prescription drugs that can treat both influenza A and B. Oseltamivir is also approved for prevention of influenza.
DHR Office of Communications February 2001
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