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The Flu and You

David Bjerklie

It begins with a runny nose, a cough or a sore throat. It usually ends with a headache, fever, exhaustion and aches from head to toe. It's the flu, which is the common name for the illness caused by a tiny germ known as the influenza virus. This year, people are talking about a type of influenza called bird flu. Here are a few answers to common questions about flu.

Q Who gets the flu?

A Each year, up to 20% of the U.S. population gets sick from this bad bug. That's 60 million people, so chances are good that the flu will hit someone you know this year. Most feel miserable for a week or two and then get better. The flu can be deadly, however, for babies, elderly people and anyone who is already sick with a serious, long-term disease.

Q How do people catch the flu?

A The flu can be very contagious. People spread it before they even feel sick and for a week after they get sick. The virus is spread in tiny drops of moisture that are sprayed into the air when we cough or sneeze.

Q Can flu be prevented?

A Yes. A vaccine can protect a person from coming down with the flu. But because the flu virus is constantly changing, scientists must create a new vaccine formula each year. Not knowing exactly what kind of flu to protect against can delay the process of making the right vaccine.

Q Can flu be treated?

A Yes. A new drug known as Tamiflu is the best treament for flu patients. But it has to be taken in the first two days after catching the flu.

Q What is bird flu?

A Right now, this variety of flu is found mostly in chickens and ducks raised by farmers in a few countries, such as China, Vietnam, Turkey and Romania. There is no bird flu in the United States. Public-health experts worry that if this type of flu virus changes and becomes easier for people to catch, it could cause an outbreak much worse than regular flu.

Q What is being done to prevent bird flu from infecting humans?

A In countries where bird flu has been found, medical officials are testing flocks and destroying sick birds. In the U.S., the President and the Congress are trying to prepare the country in case there is ever a flu emergency. There is a plan to stockpile flu vaccines and medicines.

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