Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. All rights reserved. Of course, do your best to avoid getting the flu at all. Allergies can be triggered by irritants in your environment, such as: One way to tell the difference between allergies and a contagious infection is that allergies do not typically cause symptoms such as fever and body aches. Your best bet to prevent the flu is to get your annual flu vaccine. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu may shorten the contagious period just as they can shorten the length of illness. The flu is considered a highly contagious disease. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Reconstruction of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic Virus, 2022-2023 Preliminary In-Season Burden Estimate, Who is at Higher Risk of Flu Complications, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration, Who Should & Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated, Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)/Nasal Spray Vaccine, Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, Flu Vaccine and People with Egg Allergies, Frequently Asked Questions on Vaccine Supply, Historical Reference of Vaccine Doses Distributed, Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY), Respiratory Virus Transmission Network (RVTN), Randomized Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Network (RAIVEN), Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN), How Vaccine Effectiveness and Efficacy are Measured, What People with a Staph Infection Should Know about Flu, Resources for Hosting a Vaccination Clinic, Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States, Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), Weekly U.S. Some experts believe youre most likely to spread the virus in the first3 to 4 days. The influenza vaccine isn't 100% effective, so it's also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including: Also avoid anyone who is sick. Sick people sneeze or cough out beads of moisture that contain the flu virus. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Kilpatrick RM, et al. What you need to know to reduce the risk of respiratory virus spread. Contagiousness could last up to 2 weeks, depending on the type of infection. Grohskopf LA, et al. Curr Probl Dermatol. Antihistamines can also help clear up a stuffy nose, but older ones such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can make you sleepy. The contagious period the time during which a sick person can give the illness to others differs slightly for each virus. The same CID study found that children are most likely to get sick from flu and that people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from flu. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. In children, the flu is contagious for up to 10 days, and sometimes even beyond that. include protected health information. This has created serious problems, especially in hospital settings. These tiny particles are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and can float through the air for a long time. Even if you think it won't be serious for you if you get it, it might be for someone you pass it to. Also, hold off on returning to work if your treatments are causing side effects such as excessive drowsiness. Sept. 29, 2022. Unfortunately, bacteria are very adaptable, and the overuse of antibiotics has made many of them resistant to antibiotics. Before and after contact with an ill person. DeeDee Stiepan: Getting a flu vaccine helps rule out influenza if you develop respiratory issues and helps reduce stress on the health care system. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2012 Aug 24;61(33):653-6. Learn more about home remedies for colds and the, The cold is a common illness that usually resolves within 710 days. If you have a mild illness, you can still pass on germs. Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. They can only reproduce by attaching themselves to cells. Fewer than 1% of bacteria cause diseases in people. There are five types, but the most common ones in the U.S. are hepatitis A, B, and C. All of them affect your liver. Now youre about to use those hands to rub your eyes. After the injection, some people experience aches in the arm the next day. Treatment for norovirus or rotavirus typically involves home remedies such as rest and staying well hydrated with plenty of fluids. To protect people around you, take the following steps: No matter whats making you sick, try to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Median incidence values (or attack rate) by age group were 9.3% for children 0-17 years, 8.8% for adults 18-64 years, and 3.9% for adults 65 years and older. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. However, both are common and contagious. But the flu tends to come on suddenly. This means that children younger than 18 are more than twice as likely to develop a symptomatic flu virus infection than adults 65 and older. There are no special prescription medications for a stomach virus. Latent infections, which may not cause symptoms at first but can reactivate over a period of months and years. Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. In this article, learn about how long the flu lasts, what symptoms to expect. Youre exposed to the flu virus when you breathe the droplets in, or if they land in your mouth, nose, or eyes. Some people believe that the flu vaccine can cause the flu. Children and people with lowered immune systems may be contagious for a few days longer. A tattoo artist that doesn't use sterile techniques can spread bacteria or other infectious organisms. More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms. Simply being sick does not mean your illness is contagious. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Gregory Poland, M.D., Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic: Where we have COVID spreading, we will very likely have influenza spreading. This happens because during a tattoo session, your immune system is compromised and your body is doing everything it takes to fight off the. At this flu stage, you will probably still be tired. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Understanding Microbes in Sickness and in Health., MicrobeWorld.org: Virus or Bacterium? Viral vs. Bacterial Reproduction., Merck Manual Second Home Edition: Bacterial Infections, Viral Infections.. But children and adults at high risk may develop complications that may include: Pneumonia is one of the most serious complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html. Flu vaccination is especially important because the flu and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cause similar symptoms. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. What Infectious Disease Concerns Us Most? Click here for an email preview. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that results from a viral infection. You should consult your doctor if you think you have a bacterial or viral infection. A large number of different viral strains cause the symptoms of a cold, such as rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and coronaviruses. Other viruses, like the flu, for example, can survive on surfaces for as long as two weeks. The symptoms of flu are similar to those of the cold but are typically more intense in comparison. And, some people can be infected with the flu without showing symptoms. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your temperature goes back down on its own. DeeDee Stiepan: Getting your annual flu vaccine is especially important this season. Influenza commonly circulates in the United States between October and April. Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects such as fleas and ticks. A tattoo flu is only from long sessions.and is usually just a fever, not a real cold. These new viruses can then infect more cells and the body can expel them to transmit to other people. They are also nowspreading the virus themselves, even before symptoms start. A 2018 CDC study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases looked at the percentage of the U.S. population who got sick with flu using two different methods and compared the findings. If possible, wait for your symptoms to subside before returning to work. They infect up to 1 in 5 Americans every year. After touching garbage, body fluids or anytime you have doubt if your hands are clean. Your symptoms should subside soon, and you will be back to feeling great in no time. Accessed Sept. 15, 2022. Some infectious risks can be controlled. All rights reserved. After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. The flu is a common respiratory illness you get from the influenza virus. The presence of a fever. Microbial status and product labelling of 58 original tattoo inks. Influenza. You can spread the flu to others even before you know youre sick, Dr. Mossad says. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Viruses can spread through a process called viral shedding. By Kristina Duda, RN Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Viral infections may be introduced, i.e. The first signs of the flu may look similar to having a cold you may have had in the past. Epub 2015 Mar 26. Knowwhen to call in sick to work,wash your hands frequently, and make sure those that come into contact with you do the same. Typically, tattoo flu only lasts 24-48 hours. Yes. Most of the time, its through droplets in the air. official website and that any information you provide is encrypted But the treatment of viral infections has proved more challenging, primarily because viruses are relatively tiny and reproduce inside cells. Loscalzo J, et al., eds. When deciding whether to stay home, consider your symptoms. Before, during and after you prepare food. The average flu incubation period is about two days. A 2018 CDC study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Reconstruction of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic Virus, 2022-2023 Preliminary In-Season Burden Estimate, Who is at Higher Risk of Flu Complications, Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Coadministration, Who Should & Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated, Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)/Nasal Spray Vaccine, Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, Flu Vaccine and People with Egg Allergies, Frequently Asked Questions on Vaccine Supply, Historical Reference of Vaccine Doses Distributed, Investigating Respiratory Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY), Respiratory Virus Transmission Network (RVTN), Randomized Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Network (RAIVEN), Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN), How Vaccine Effectiveness and Efficacy are Measured, What People with a Staph Infection Should Know about Flu, Resources for Hosting a Vaccination Clinic, Overview of Influenza Surveillance in the United States, Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), Weekly U.S. Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Also known as the "tattoo flu," is quite common. Symptoms of the influenza virus typically include: Both cold and flu cause symptoms that can disrupt daily life. Both methods had similar findings, which suggested that on average, about 8 percent of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season, with a range of between 3 percent and 11 percent, depending on the season. About a week. The discovery of antibiotics for bacterial infections is considered one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Its the only way not to spread the flu. However, if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement . And while a cold can be miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu. For example, certain viruses attack cells in the liver, respiratory system, or blood. All they have is a protein coat and a core of genetic material, either RNA or DNA. The flu vaccine can lower your risk of getting the flu. Eating well, exercising and getting enough rest. Flu virus infection is very common, and the number of people infected each season can only be estimated because not everyone will seek medical care or get tested. The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area of the tattoo. That means without the help of medicines. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Pyogenic bacteria can cause infections shortly after the tattoo is made. When you have the flu (influenza), you're most contagious from 24 hours before symptoms begin through the first three to five days of the illness. The CDC says the first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. See additional information. Vomiting: You may vomit only a few times, or feel nauseated and vomit for several days. This site needs JavaScript to work properly. Dry nose is also common in people in drier climates. The seasonal cold is one of the most common respiratory sicknesses in humans. Since you can be contagious 24 hours before your symptoms appear, you may spread the virus before you even know you have it. A number of viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including noroviruses and rotaviruses. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices United States, 2022-2023 influenza season. If you were exposed to the flu and contracted it, you would experience symptoms within four days. These substances then find their way back into the open environment through things such as coughing and sneezing. Ng, S. (2016). headache. Known brands and established manufacturers are considered safer. Be careful not to treat symptoms you dont have. The site is secure. Policy. Bacterial infection of tattoos remains a common complication. Survey of studies on microbial contamination of marketed tattoo inks. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start. When your cozy sweater comes back from its summer vacation in the back of your closet. Learn more about how to get your flu shot at Mayo Clinic, for video Mayo Clinic Minute: Why getting vaccinated for the flu is doubly important this season, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. The timeline of influenza virus shedding in children and adults in a household transmission study of influenza in Managua, Nicaragua. - Related information. Read our. (Ask your healthcare provider if you think you would benefit from supplements. You can be contagious with the flu beginning about a day before you feel symptoms. Review/update the Find out how long it is contagious for, how long the symptoms last, and more in this article. Avoid close contact with others. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.
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