Flu Information

Updated January 2010

The flu has become a focus recently, especially the H1N1 (swine flu). The Riverview School District and the King County Department of Health are in frequent communication regarding the flu and how it is impacting our community. Procedures are in place for informing families about the flu as well as emergency information if necessary. We will also continue to educate our students and staff on healthy habits to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Consider the following general flu news from the Washington State Department of Health, with up-to-date links to current information.

En Español

Recursos en el idioma español

• Cúbrase la boca al toser

• Evite la propagación de gérmenes

Información en la Red en español

• Preparación y respuesta a emergencias de salud Pública - Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington

• Influenza ( la gripe) - Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades

What is seasonal flu?

Influenza (commonly called the flu) infects the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs (respiratory tract). We call the flu that comes every year the "seasonal" or "yearly" flu. In the United States, about 36,000 people die and over 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu.

What is a pandemic?

Pandemic is the term used for any disease that spreads rapidly around the world, affecting large numbers of people and for which no natural immunity or immediately available treatment or prevention exists. New strains of influenza, that people have not been exposed to before, can become a pandemic if it spreads worldwide.

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by a type A influenza virus. Viruses that cause swine flu do not normally infect humans. The H1N1 virus we are now concerned with originally came from pigs, but combined with other types of viruses to make a new virus that now spreads from person to person. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 (swine flu) a pandemic. More information on H1N1 is available on the Department of Health's H1N1 (swine flu) Web page .

Influenza vs. the "Flu"

Influenza is commonly called the "flu." However, not all things called the "flu" are caused by influenza, so how do you know? Influenza infects the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs (respiratory tract), but not the intestines (gastrointestinal or GI tract). So seasonal flu is not the same as what many people call the "stomach flu." The best way to tell if you have influenza is for a health care provider to swab your throat and have a laboratory confirm the diagnosis.

Causes, Symptoms, and Spread

What does seasonal flu cause?

The seasonal flu causes mild to severe illness and can lead to serious illness and death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious seasonal flu complications.

What are the symptoms of seasonal flu?

People with seasonal flu often have high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue (tiredness), headache, and sometimes nasal congestion. If you or someone you know has these symptoms and they are severe, contact your doctor, nurse, or clinic as soon as possible. The best way to tell if you have seasonal flu is for a health care provider to swab your throat and have a laboratory confirm the diagnosis.

How does seasonal flu spread?

The seasonal flu spreads easily from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing. Influenza viruses change each year and this is why it's called "seasonal" or "yearly" flu. A new batch of vaccine is made each year based on these viruses. Get vaccinated every year for the best protection against influenza.

Good Health Habits

Protect yourself and others: use good health habits

Take these simple precautions to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu and other lung and breathing (respiratory) diseases:

• Get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your bare hand.

• Use a tissue to wipe your nose, then throw the tissue away.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel or disposable wipes.

• Stay home and away from others while you or your family members are sick.

• Wear a mask to cover your face in a medical office, if asked.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Who should get seasonal flu vaccine?

Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to prevent seasonal influenza. The Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that the following groups get a seasonal flu vaccine:

• All children ages 6 months up to the 19th birthday.

• All adults age 50 years and older.

• Children and adults of any age with certain chronic health conditions or special health care needs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma and other breathing problems, sickle cell anemia, and cerebral palsy.

• Pregnant women.

• People who live or work in long-term care facilities.

• Household contacts and caregivers of people in any of the above groups.

• Health care professionals.

• Household contacts and caregivers of children, especially those in contact with babies under six months of age who are too young to get seasonal flu vaccine.

• Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu.

Find a Vaccine

How to find a seasonal flu vaccine

• Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic.

• Check the American Lung Association's Flu Shot Locator .

• Contact your local health department .

• Call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

• For more information on the different types of flu vaccine, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site .

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