Flu 

In an effort to help preserve the well-being of the Ohio University community, the content of this site provides answers to frequently asked questions about the influenza virus and the University's response to it.

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Are the symptoms for H1N1 different from the regular season flu?

The symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu, but they may be more severe. Additional symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

How many people are affected by the flu?

  • Five to 20 percent of the population get the flu each year
  • More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications each year
  • Deaths each year range from 3,300 to 48,600 with an average of 23,600 deaths each year

What is the flu?

It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. The flu normally occurs from late fall until early spring. The symptoms range from mild to severe and in some cases can cause death.

How long can a person spread the flu to others?

People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu shed the virus and may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to five to seven days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the H1N1 virus.

 

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection have occurred.

How can I tell the difference between the cold and the flu?

The different symptoms are outlined in the following chart:
  Cold H1N1 Flu Seasonal Flu
Fever Adults, uncommon Children, more likely present, >100F,(as high as 105F or more) characteristic, high (102-104F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache rare present prominent
Sore Throat common present sometimes
Cough, chest discomfort mild to moderate; hacking cough common; can become severe common; can become severe
Runny or stuffy nose common present sometimes
Sneezing usual present sometimes
General aches, pains slight present usual; often severe
Fatigue, weakness quite mild extreme can last up to 2-3 weeks
Chills not present present present
Diarrhea/Vomiting uncommon present not present
Extreme exhaustion never present present
Adults >65 any age group uncommon present
Adults <65 any age group present present
Age of highest incidence any age group 5-24 <5 and >65




Can I still get H1N1?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) officially declared an end to the H1N1 pandemic in July 2010. Although it is not considered to be a pandemic, the H1N1 flu virus is expected to circulate this season along with other seasonal flues. As we enter the post-pandemic period, this does not mean that the H1N1 virus has gone away. Based on experience with past pandemics, we expect the H1N1 virus to take on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.