*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

On average, 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from the flu each season, with a range of 3% – 11%, depending on the season. For a refresh on important things to know about the annual influenza season, here you are.

Flu Facts:

1. 1. Preventing Influenza:
      • An annual flu vaccination is the best protection, along with frequent handwashing and staying away from others who are sick if possible.
   2. How is Influenza Spread?
      • The flu virus is spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk – that land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Ick, right?
      • Less often, you may get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your own mouth or nose.
   3. When is Someone Contagious With the Flu?
      • The time from exposure/infection until symptoms begin is about 2 days but can be 1-4 days.
      • People with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness. But, they can spread it one day before and up to 5-7 days after.
      • You may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as when you are sick with symptoms.
   4. Who is Most Likely to Get Sick from the Flu?
      • Children younger than 18 are most likely to get sick, and people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from the flu.
      • Median incidence by age group was 9.3% for children 0-17 years, 8.8% for adults 18-64 years, and 3.9% for adults 65 years and older. (CDC study)
   5. Who is at High Risk for Flu-Related Complications?
      • Adults 65+ years, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and children younger than five years. (See number 1 above.)
   6. Do Antibiotics Treat or Help the Flu?
      • No, they will not treat the flu because antibiotics are only effective on bacterial infections, not viruses such as the flu or a cold. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.
      • Most people have mild illness and do not need medical care. Should you give kids medicine for coughs and colds?
      • Antivirals may be able to help lessen the symptoms of influenza and length of illness. Especially for people at higher risk (see number 5 above) of flu-related complications, contact your doctor as soon as your symptoms begin. Antiviral drugs work best when started within 1 to 2 days after flu symptoms.

Keep Reading: Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick