Health

Health Alert: Spreading The Flu

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Flu is easily spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Symptoms can take four days to appear, so it can be spread by someone who's infected, even before they get sick.

"The time you're most infectious is in the first 24 to 48 hours of getting symptoms," said Dr. Christopher Bruno, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Drexel University College of Medicine. He says symptoms of the flu include fever and achy muscles. It can be similar to a regular cold, except that the flu is generally more intense.

"There's no great clinical way, no great symptomatic way to tell the difference between flu and a common cold," said Dr. Bruno.

With a cold there's traditionally more congestion, and a runny nose. The flu is best prevented with annual vaccinations, but this year they're only 40 percent effective.

Once sick with influenza, prescription anti-virals like Tamiflu can reduce the severity and duration if taken quickly. Also pain relievers like Ibuprofen can help along with plenty of liquids.

"Stay hydrated, you can take medicines to lower fever which will make people feel better," said Dr. Bruno.

The flu is especially dangerous for the elderly, young children and people who are already sick. Washing hands can help prevent the spread. And it's not too late to get flu shots.

LINKS:

Flu vs. Cold- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm

Flu Information- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/, http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/flu.html,

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/Flu/default.htm

Cold Information- http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/colds/default.htm, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000678.htm

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