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About Influenza
Influenza or flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. It can
cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The most
recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) update for last flu
season (2006 – 2007) included reports of 60 influenza-associated pediatric
deaths. During this same time period, the Williamson County and Cities Health
District (WCCHD) received a report of the death of a 16 year old due to an illness which
meets the case definition for influenza. For stories of families affected
by flu visit these websites:
Families Fighting Flu and
Faces of Influenza.
The best way to prevent severe illness caused by flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Symptoms of Influenza
Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness,
dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and stomach aches.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can occur but are more common in
children than adults. It is important to remember that certain bacterial
infections can produce symptoms similar to flu. Flu may alter or weaken the
immune system, leading to secondary bacterial infections. Suspected bacterial
infections should be treated appropriately with antibiotics.
How It Spreads
Flu is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.
Adults infected with influenza virus may be able to pass on the flu to someone
else 1 day before they start having symptoms, and up to 5 days after becoming
sick. Young children infected with influenza virus may be able to pass on the
flu to someone several days before they start having symptoms, and up to 10 or
more days after becoming sick. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a
flu vaccination each year. For other important prevention steps visit
these CDC websites:
Covering Your Cough
and Washing Your Hands.
Local Information and Updates
Although reporting of flu cases to health departments is not required in
Texas, WCCHD receives reports of flu throughout the year. During each flu season
local, state, and federal public health agencies use enhanced surveillance
systems to determine what type of influenza viruses are circulating. Enhanced
surveillance allows WCCHD to monitor the progress and severity of a flu season
at the community level. Enhanced flu reporting usually starts in October (week
40) and ends in May (week 20).
The Flu Shot Information page provides the
latest information on where to get flu vaccine.
Flu Updates
provides the latest
information on influenza surveillance.
Charts and Trends from Previous Flu Seasons in
Williamson County. For more information contact the WCCHD Disease Surveillance Team
at (512) 943-3660 or email Mindy Powell, CDMT Team Lead.Related Links
Latest information on activities focused on preventing flu:
http://www.preventinfluenza.org/
Overview of national flu surveillance:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/pdf/flu-surveillance-overview.pdf
Influenza surveillance in Texas:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/influenza/surveillance/ |
