Flu
By: Katherine Poe
Influenza:
- The word “influenza” comes from the Italianinfluentia because people used to believe that the influence of the planets, stars, and moon caused the flu—for only such universal influence could explain such sudden and widespread sickness.
Symptoms of the Flu:
- Feverish chills
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Tiredness
- Attacks lungs, throat, and nose
How to prevent the flu:
- Get a vaccine at least once a year
- You can get a shot or nasal spray
Who is at risk?
- Younger kids and older adults are more likely to get the flu rather than other people. Also pregnant women are at risk of the flu too.
When is flu more likely around?
- Flu season is in the winter and can go to early spring.
Where in your body?
- The flu affects your upper and lower respiratory tract.
Random Facts:
- Flu leads to death if not taken care of
- There's more than 3 Million U.S. cases per year
- Kids are more likely to vomit/throw up while they have the flu, in adults it's not as common
- You should treat with antiviral drugs soon after your sick
- Native Americans died at a rate four times the national average from the Spanish flu.
Complications:
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Dehydration
How does the flu spread?
- Having skin to skin contact (hugging, being close to someone, etc)
- Saliva (sharing drinks, kissing, etc)
- Airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, etc)
Spanish Flu Facts:
- Spanish Flu was a highly contagious, lethal virus that was first reported in March 1918 and quickly became a pandemic, meaning an illness that spreads around the world.
- The Spanish flu hit 40-100 million people between the years of 1918-1920. It was so bad that it was registered as a level 5 on the Pandemic Severity Scale, which is the highest level.
- Some people that got it & survived: FDR, Walt Disney, Mary Pickford, General Pershing and Woodrow Wilson.