How do you get the flu?
In our society, it is common to shake hands upon greeting a friend. In the flu season, this could transmit viral illnesses from one person to another.
Though it is difficult to tell who is contagious before the onset of symptoms, here are some virus timelines. You can pass on the influenza virus one to four days before you show any symptoms. Symptoms may not show up for days, which means you could be infectious before you show any signs of illness. You could be contagious up to 10 days into your illness.
Influenza Symptoms
Sudden onset of symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, high fever and a non-productive, dry cough typically indicate influenza. Other ailments include headache, sore throat, adverse effects on eyesight, cold sweats, fever between 100.4 degrees F to 104 degrees F that comes and goes, and severe back, arm or leg pain in one or both limbs. These symptoms often are accompanied by body aches and chills. Complete recovery from these symptoms could take as long as two weeks, perhaps more. Overcoming fatigue could take much longer.
Though the symptoms listed above are serious, there are severe complications that may accompany the flu. These include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of condition, congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes. For children, these complications might involve sinus problems, earaches and infections.
Special Dangers For the Elderly People, Children and the Immune-Compromised
Young children, adults older than 65, pregnant women, those fighting long-term illnesses and those with impaired immune systems should avoid contact with people or crowds that may expose them to the influenza virus. This applies to people with lung and heart diseases, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer treatments, and any illness that lowers your immune response, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a breathing illness.