What it means
The flu: a viral illness that spreads in droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk. It comes on quickly with fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, cough, sore throat and tiredness. Most people get better in one to two weeks, but older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with long-term illness can develop pneumonianoo-MOHN-yuhAn infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.pneum/o lung, air-ia conditionFull entry and other serious problems. A new vaccine is made every year.
For the nurse
Use droplet precautions (a surgical mask within close range) along with standard precautions. Teach that everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year, and that antiviral drugs work best when started early, within about two days of the first symptoms.
In a chart
"Rapid influenza A positive; droplet precautions in place; oseltamivir started."
At a glance
| Everyday words | the flu |
|---|---|
| Spanish | influenza, gripe |
| Also written | flu |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.