Flu Exposure

When to Call for Flu Exposure

Care Advice

Influenza Exposure

1. What You Should Know - Influenza Exposure Within Past 7 Days:
   • Although you were exposed to flu, you do not have any symptoms (such as cough or fever).
   • Symptoms usually start within 1 to 4 days of close contact with another person with flu. Seven days is an outer limit.
   • There are some things that you can do to help prevent getting flu.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. What You Should Know - Influenza Exposure More Than 7 Days Ago:
   • Although you were exposed to flu, you do not have any symptoms.
   • Symptoms usually start within 1 to 4 days of close contact with another person with flu. Seven days is an outer limit.
   • Since 7 days have passed, you should be safe and not get the flu from this exposure.
   • There are some things that you can do to help prevent getting flu.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
3. Influenza - Cause:
   • The flu is caused by the influenza virus.
   • Flu viruses change (mutate). Each year the flu virus is slightly different. This is why some people seem to get influenza every year. Flu season occurs every year, often during the fall and winter. During these months, about 5 to 40% of people get sick with the flu each year.
4. Influenza - Symptoms:
   • Symptoms often start quickly.
   • Symptoms are much like the common cold. They include runny nose, sore throat, and a bad cough.
   • However, the fever is usually higher (102 - 104° F; 38.9 - 40° C) with flu than with a cold. Headaches and muscle aches are also worse with the flu.
5. Influenza - How It Is Spread:
   • The flu virus is in the nasal mucus or drainage.
   • Every time a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, germs are sprayed into the air.
   • Germs can be found on tissues and handkerchiefs. Germs often get on the hands after a person coughs or sneezes.
6. Influenza - Diagnosis:
   • Often people can diagnose this problem at home by asking themselves three questions. Is it flu season? Are other people getting the flu? Do the symptoms match the symptoms of flu?
   • A doctor (or other health-care provider) can diagnose the flu by taking a history (asking questions) and performing a physical exam. A flu test (nasal swab) is sometimes used to diagnose the flu.
7. Influenza - Treatment with Antiviral Medicines:
   • There are antiviral drugs that can be used to treat influenza. These include baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
   • To get the most benefit, these drugs must be started within 48 hours of when flu symptoms start.
   • The benefit of these drugs are limited in healthy adults. The may decrease the time you are sick by 1 to 2 days. They help reduce the symptoms, but do not make them go away.
   • The CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be used for people at High Risk for flu problems. They also recommend them for people with severe flu symptoms.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have more questions
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

Prevention

1. What You Should Know - Get the Flu Vaccine!
   • All adults should get a flu vaccine (nasal spray or shot) every year. Protect yourself and your family!
   • You should get it in the fall before the start of flu season. However, it is never too late.
   • It is especially important for people over 65 years old and people at High Risk for getting severe problems from the flu.
   • A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for the flu vaccine shot is available from the CDC.
   • A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for the flu nasal spray vaccine is available from the CDC.
2. How to Keep from Getting the Flu:
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water. This is very important after shaking hands with a person who has the flu.
   • Avoid touching your own nose and face. The most likely way to get sick is to touch your nose after you touch something with the flu germs on it.
   • Avoid hugging or kissing people who are sick with the flu. Avoid shaking their hands.
3. Stop the Spread of Germs to Others!
   • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a cloth when you cough or sneeze.
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
   • Don't shake hands when you are sick.
4. Prevention with Antiviral Medicines:
   • Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that help fight viruses in your body. These drugs can help keep you from getting the flu if you have been exposed.
   • The two antiviral drugs that are used to prevent flu are: oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
   • Who Should Get an Antiviral Drug? An antiviral drug may be needed for High Risk patients (such as age over 64 years, pregnant, or chronic illness) who have been exposed to the flu, especially in the past 48 hours. An antiviral drug is sometimes used for other people who have been exposed to influenza.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You have more questions
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.