Feeling Unwell?

 

 

What is the flu?  Influenza or 'the flu' is a highly contagious disease caused by infection from influenza type A or B (or rarely C) virus. These viruses infect the upper airways and lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

 

Symptoms:  Symptoms usually appear one to three days after being infected. A person can spread influenza to others a day or two before they become unwell and up to five days after they have become unwell for adults and even longer for young children. For this reason – please let your child recover at home and keep them away from school if they exhibit any of the following symptoms …

 

 

Most people recover within a week, although a cough and tiredness may persist.

 

Transmission  The virus that causes influenza is mainly spread from person-to-person by virus- containing droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. The droplets can be spread up to a metre through the air and enter the body through

the nose and mouth. A person can also catch influenza if they shake hands with an infected person or touch a contaminated surface such as a school pencils, books, play equipment, and then touch their nose or mouth.

 

Treatment  Many people treat 'the flu' by simply resting in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medication that helps relieve the symptoms such as paracetamol.

 

Immunisations are available and have been shown to be effective in the prevention of the flu – however they need to be given early in the season (May +). Once you have the flu symptoms it is too late to give an immunisation.

 

It is recommended that children have 2 doses, 6 weeks apart to be fully effective due to their weaker immune systems. In many work places the government may offer free vaccinations particularly to “at risk” communities (eg Health workers, elderly, Community workers)…

 

So if you do get the flu...

 

Dont spread it around!  Stay at home until you are better; Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of it

Wash your hands with soap and water or one of the “no wash” antiseptic hand lotions after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and before touching other people or objects that others might touch.

 

Please seek medical attention if you have any concerns at all or persistent signs or symptoms.

 

Source: http://www.health.qld.gov.au.