Facts About the Flu

Facts About the Flu Tampa FLThe flu is a very common, highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza A or B virus. Despite its prevalence, however, misconceptions abound. Here are some helpful facts about the flu that you may not know:

  • Flu season can extend all the way into May. Many people begin to think about influenza in the early fall, right around the time the annual flu shot becomes available. Typically, flu-related illnesses peak in the heart of winter. But, that’s not the end of it – the virus may actually linger on for several more months – long after spring arrives and many people have forgotten about it.
  • You can spread the flu virus to others even if you aren’t sick. Oftentimes, flu symptoms don’t appear immediately after exposure to the virus – it can take up to several days to take hold. In the meantime, you may be highly contagious – despite the fact that you feel just fine.
  • Flu viruses can survive on surfaces. Scientists have confirmed that influenza A and B viruses can live on some surfaces for up to 48 hours. For this reason, it is especially important to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, during flu season.
  • You cannot get influenza from a flu shot. Flu vaccines contain either an inactive virus that is no longer infectious or a single gene from the virus. The goal is to stimulate an immune system response, which may cause flu-like symptoms but does not actually cause the flu.
  • A flu shot is not effective right away. It can take up to two weeks for enough antibodies to build up to provide sufficient protection against the flu. For this reason, many physicians recommend getting vaccinated well before flu season peaks.
  • Some people are at higher risk than others. Young children, older adults, and individuals with a chronic health condition such as diabetes, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more susceptible to developing flu-related complications, such as dehydration, ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia.
  • You cannot become immune to the flu. Even after you’ve been sick with the flu, your body will not become resistant to it. There are many different strains of the flu virus, and they mutate often.

Influenza can be a serious illness, and your best defense is an annual flu shot. You can receive an influenza vaccine – or flu treatment if you need it – at South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, FL. Stop by today. Our team is dedicated to helping you stay as healthy as possible throughout flu season and all year round.