1. Influenza Take Action to Prevent the Flu! Allison Ormond, RN
Pamlico County Primary School

2. About: The Flu A respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses
Affects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs
Most common in the fall and the winter
Between the months of December - February

3. Prevention Stay home if you are sick!
The best prevention is to get a flu shot each and every year!
Spread through contact with droplets
Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water
If you cough or sneeze, do it in your sleeve
Do not share food or drinks
Disinfect frequently used surfaces
Stay home if you are sick!

4. Symptoms Fever Chills Sore throat Runny and/or stuffy nose
It is important to note that some individuals may not have a fever
Chills
Sore throat
Runny and/or stuffy nose
Muscle and body aches
Headache
Fatigue
The flu can lead to hospitalization and even death!

5. Transmission The flu is VERY contagious! Spread through droplets by:
Breathing infected droplets into your lungs
Touching your eyes, nose, and/or mouth, after touching infected surfaces/objects
Can be spread up to 6 feet away!!!
When are individuals contagious?
One day before the onset of symptoms
Up to 5-7 days after the onset of symptoms

6. Diagnosis Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs)
Results in minutes
Rapid molecular assays
Results in minutes
More accurate than RIDTs
Rapid influenza tests are not 100% accurate
They can cause false-negative results
Some doctors may treat individuals for the flu solely based on their symptoms

7. Treatment Antiviral medications Decreases symptoms
Shorten the length of the sickness
Prevent additional complications such as:
Pneumonia
Respiratory tract infections
Organ failure
Sepsis
Death

8. References
CDC. (2018, January 19). Influenza (Flu). Retrieved January 19, 2018, from