The word “influenza” was used for the first time in English in 1703. 2. Each year, an average of 5% to 20% of the U.S. population contract the virus. Even worse: More than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu-related complications.
What’s an interesting fact about the flu?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
What are 3 interesting facts about influenza?
- Flu season is between October and May. ...
- The flu is contagious before symptoms start. ...
- Flu symptoms can start abruptly. ...
- It takes up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to work. ...
- You need a new flu vaccine every year. ...
- The flu vaccine doesn’t cause the flu.
Why is it called the flu?
Flu is short for influenza, which comes from an Italian (and Medieval Latin) word meaning “influence .” At one point the effect of the flu was believed to be caused by the influence of the stars.
How many people catch the flu each year?
CDC uses mathematical modeling in combination with data from traditional flu surveillance systems to estimate the numbers of flu illnesses in the United States. CDC estimates that flu has resulted in between 9.3 million and 45 million illnesses each year in the United States since 2010.
How long is flu contagious?
Period of Contagiousness
People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
When did the flu start?
Five flu pandemics have occurred since 1900: the Spanish flu in 1918–1920 , which was the most severe flu pandemic, the Asian flu in 1957, the Hong Kong flu in 1968, the Russian flu in 1977, and the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
What helps flu fast?
- Stay home and get plenty of rest.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Treat aches and fever.
- Take care of your cough.
- Sit in a steamy bathroom.
- Run the humidifier.
- Try a lozenge.
- Get salty.
Does flu virus stay in your body?
You’re most contagious within the first three to four days after you notice symptoms. Once inside your cells, the virus is able to remain undetected by your immune system , essentially hiding in plain sight — for a little while, at least.
What are the stages of flu?
A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern: Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose. Day 4 : Fever and muscle aches decrease . Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable.
Is it possible to have never had the flu?
She said that anyone who claims to have never had the flu is very lucky , but that doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk of ever getting the flu in the future.
Does getting the flu make your immune system stronger?
Getting the flu itself can provide much stronger immunity than any flu shot does.
How long is the incubation period for the flu 2020?
While the general incubation period for the flu is usually between one and four days, this period can vary from person to person. The average incubation period for the flu is two days . This means that, on average, people start to develop flu symptoms about two days after coming into contact with the influenza virus.
How long should you stay home with the flu?
Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, who do not have a fever, should stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms . Persons with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.
How long will the flu last 2020?
Most people who become sick will recover in a few days to less than two weeks , but some people may become more severely ill. Following flu infection, moderate complications such as secondary ear and sinus infections can occur.
