Influenza, also known as "flu," is a common
respiratory infection that can be severe and even life-threatening. Each year
more than 36,000 persons, especially older individuals and those with chronic
medical conditions, die from influenza in the United States. The February
23, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article that
evaluates the accuracy of diagnosing influenza. This Patient Page is adapted
from one previously published in the November 3, 2004, issue of JAMA.
Symptoms and signs of influenza
Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are
rare in adults with influenza. What is sometimes called "stomach flu" is actually
not caused by the flu virus. The medical term for that common condition is gastroenteritis.
Colds are also viral infections but are usually self-limited and not
life-threatening. Colds usually cause a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat,
mild cough, and sometimes mild fever.
Because influenza is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibacterial
antibiotics. Several antiviral prescription medications are available that
may help treat influenza. These medications work best if they are taken early
in the course of the flu. They may help decrease the length of symptoms of
influenza. These drugs cause some adverse effects, and persons with some chronic
medical problems should not take them, nor should pregnant women. They are
not recommended for children younger than 1 year. Medications for pain and
fever may also be helpful in relieving flu symptoms.
Receiving flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent influenza.
Yearly vaccinations against influenza are recommended particularly for everyone
aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical
problems (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), health care workers,
individuals who care for children or elderly persons, all children aged 6
to 23 months, and older children who have chronic medical conditions or who
are receiving chronic aspirin therapy. Children 8 years and younger receiving
the flu vaccine for the first time should receive 2 doses given about 30 days
apart.
The flu shot is made from inactivated influenza virus and cannot give
you the flu. Because influenza virus strains differ from year to year, the
influenza vaccine also varies each year. A nasal spray flu vaccine is available
for healthy persons aged 5 through 49 years who are not pregnant.
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page
link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. A Patient Page on flu vaccine was published in the October 4, 2000,
issue.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute
on Aging; American Lung Association; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate
in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For
specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied
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TOPIC: INFECTIOUS DISEASES