Seasonal flu 101: What you need to know
Want to know about seasonal flu? Check here for its definition, symptoms, risk groups and vaccination options.
Definition
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, including your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.
If you're generally healthy and you catch influenza -- commonly called the flu -- you're likely to feel rotten for a few days, but you probably won't develop complications or need hospital care. If you have a weakened immune system or chronic illness, though, influenza can be fatal.
For those at high risk of influenza, the first line of defense is an annual flu shot. This year, in addition to a regular flu shot, you may need a different flu shot for protection against H1N1 swine flu, a new type of influenza identified earlier this year. The first doses of swine flu vaccine will be available later this fall, after seasonal flu immunization begins.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms
The symptoms for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are the same. They are:
-- Fever
-- Headaches
-- Extreme tiredness
-- Cough
-- Sore throat
-- Runny or stuffy nose
-- Muscle aches
-- Vomiting and diarrhea
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
Who's at risk?
Elderly people, very young children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health problems are particularly at risk for contracting seasonal flu.
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
Where to get vaccinated
The Kern County Department of Public Health Services has offered free clinics. That agency can be contacted at (661) 868-0306. Some private doctors and medical groups also offer vaccinations.
Google has launched an interactive map that shows where flu shots are offered.
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
Definition
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, including your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.
If you're generally healthy and you catch influenza -- commonly called the flu -- you're likely to feel rotten for a few days, but you probably won't develop complications or need hospital care. If you have a weakened immune system or chronic illness, though, influenza can be fatal.
For those at high risk of influenza, the first line of defense is an annual flu shot. This year, in addition to a regular flu shot, you may need a different flu shot for protection against H1N1 swine flu, a new type of influenza identified earlier this year. The first doses of swine flu vaccine will be available later this fall, after seasonal flu immunization begins.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms
The symptoms for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu are the same. They are:
-- Fever
-- Headaches
-- Extreme tiredness
-- Cough
-- Sore throat
-- Runny or stuffy nose
-- Muscle aches
-- Vomiting and diarrhea
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
Who's at risk?
Elderly people, very young children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health problems are particularly at risk for contracting seasonal flu.
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
Where to get vaccinated
The Kern County Department of Public Health Services has offered free clinics. That agency can be contacted at (661) 868-0306. Some private doctors and medical groups also offer vaccinations.
Google has launched an interactive map that shows where flu shots are offered.
Source: Kern County Department of Public Health Services
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