THE FLU ENDS WITH U

What is the Flu Another name for influenza Contagious respiratory illness Attacks people of all ages Illness is mild to severe Complications can lead to death In the USA 5% to 20% of people get the flu every year About 200,000 are hospitalized a year About 36,000 die from the flu a year

Complications of Flu Bacterial pneumonia Ear infections Sinus infections Dehydration Worsening of chronic medical conditions asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure

Signs and Symptoms Fever Cough Sore throat Headache Chills Muscle aches Fatigue Vomiting /diarrhea Occurs more in children than adults

How Long Can the Flu Last Symptoms such as a fever, chills, sore throat, headache, runny nose, loss of appetite can last 3 to 7 days. Cough and fatigue can last up to 2 weeks. Contagious- 1 day before & up to 5-7 days after symptoms appear

Cold vs. Flu Cold Milder than flu Stuffy nose Runny nose Headache Sore throat Cough Flu worse than a cold Fever /nasal congestion Muscle or body aches Extreme tiredness cough/sore throat Headache Vomiting/diarrhea More common in children

How Does Flu Spread Through droplets when you cough, sneeze or talk By touching objects contaminated with the flu virus then touching your eyes, nose or mouth poor hand hygiene

Why Receive the Vaccine Adults need it to protect the children. Children need it to protect the elderly. We all need it to protect each other!

You Can Catch & Spread Flu In School Water fountains Sharing drinks Kissing Close contact with others Sharing cigarettes Locker rooms

You Can Take Home the Flu If you catch the Flu in school, you can take it home to your family.

You Can Spread it to Your Loved Ones Parents Brothers & sisters Grandparents Newborn baby Relatives Friends Even with a simple hug or kiss

You Can Spread Flu to Others Infected family members can spread the flu everywhere they go

Let the Flu Stop With YOU Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer Avoid close contact with sick people Stay home when you are sick

Let The Flu Stop With You Cough into your sleeveUse tissues when sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get VACCINATED!

Who Should Get Vaccinated Everyone 6 months and older

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated Allergy to chicken eggs Severe reaction to previous flu vaccine Developed Guillian-Barre syndrome 6 weeks after flu vaccine Younger than 6 months Moderately or severely ill with fever.....wait until your symptoms lessen

When Should I Get The Flu Vaccine Every year Flu season can run from October to May. Usually peaks in January As soon as it is available Never too late Vaccinate throughout the season

Two Ways to Vaccinate! InjectionNasal Spray

Injection The “flu shot” is an inactivated vaccine, which means it contains a killed virus. It is given with a needle. Injection site is in the upper arm.

Nasal Spray A vaccine administered through the nose. Licensed for ages 2-49 Cannot receive if pregnant. It is a live virus vaccine called “FluMist.”

Risk Factors Associated With Both Vaccines Allergic reactions are rare, and usually occur within minutes to hours. These include difficulty breathing, hoarseness, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart beat or dizziness. Seek medical attention immediately

This Video Tells How Seasonal Flu that includes H1N1 Can Impact Your Life double click in center of black screen below

Where To Get The Flu Vaccine Allegheny County Health Department Health Care Provider Health Clinics Health Fairs Local Pharmacies Urgent Care Centers School Vaccination Clinics

Interested in Learning More? Go to call CDC-INFO Talk with your health care provider Talk to your school nurse Contact your local health department

“Community Immunity” Art Poster Contest Sponsored by the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition (ACIC)

Incentives Cash prizes Scholarship opportunities Resume builder Opportunity to display your art in a gallery Publicity

Entry Requirements See your school nurse for complete details Deadline for submission November 11, 2010

Works Cited Video web address for: “I never get the flu”. February Cold and the Flu-What to ask your Doctor-Adults. MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Is the Flu Vaccine a Good Idea for Your Family?. Kids Health. Nemours. For Consumers: Flu. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. August 20 th, Influenza Vaccine. MedlinePlus Encyclopedia. Key Facts and Information About Influenza(Flu) and the Flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. August 20,

Created by Students of UPMC Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Elizabeth Blasi Bethany Conway Nicole Jordan Steve Klayko Kimberly Medina Sarah Reed Ann Shaughnessy Jen Vlahos Jaime Zurawsky Instructor Mrs. Patricia Robinson, RN, MN 1400 Locust Street Pittsburgh, PA with contributions from the Allegheny County Immunization Coalition