What You Should Know about Seasonal Flu and CF
Seasonal flu may cause a worsening of chronic health conditions, like cystic fibrosis. Therefore, this information is particularly important to people with CF.
Every year, people get influenza (the flu) in the fall and winter. That is why it is called “seasonal” flu. In the last few years, much was in the news about H1N1 flu virus. The best way to prevent the flu, including H1N1 flu, is to get vaccinated. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine includes protection against H1N1 flu, along with two other flu viruses. You can read more about H1N1 flu at http://www.flu.gov/types/h1n1/.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people ages 6 months and older get the flu vaccine.
Based on the CDC’s recommendations, the Foundation urges everyone with CF and those who live in the same household to:
- Get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible.
- Follow your local care center’s or doctor's recommendations on getting vaccinated for seasonal flu. Flu shots are important if you’re planning to travel during the flu season and for children under 9 years who have only ever had one flu shot.
- Minimize the spread of germs by doing good infection control:
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throw it away and then clean your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Stay away from others if you are ill. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
- Watch for symptoms of the flu and if they appear, call your doctor.
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding seasonal flu and vaccinations.
What is the best way to protect against the flu?
The best way to protect against the flu is by doing good infection control. You can do this by:
- Getting the flu vaccine.
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throwing the tissue away and then cleaning your hands.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Staying away from others if you are ill. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
To learn more about how germs spread, watch the CDC video “Put Your Hands Together.”
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be cautious about products that claim to prevent, treat or cure influenza, specifically products like pills, air filtration devices and cleaning agents that claim to kill or eliminate the flu virus.
The National Institutes of Health provides information on specific alternative options, including scientific information, potential side effects and cautions for each approach at http://health.nih.gov/topic/AlternativeMedicine.
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What are the symptoms of the flu?
The symptoms of the flu are:
- body aches and headache
- fatigue
- fever and chills
- increased cough
- sore throat
If you or your child has these symptoms, call your doctor or get medical attention right away.
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What should I do if I think I or my child has the flu?
If you or your child may have the flu, call your doctor. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading germs.
If children have the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish or gray skin color
- severe or persistent vomiting
- not waking up or not interacting
If adults have the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe or persistent vomiting
If you have the flu, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug like Tamiflu®.
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Do I or my child need to get a seasonal flu vaccine?
Everyone age 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine, which also protects against H1N1 flu.
The flu vaccine is an important step in protecting against getting the flu.
You can learn more about influenza vaccine from the CDC.
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Is the flu vaccine one shot or two?
Children receiving their flu vaccination for the first time will need two doses of vaccine to protect them fully against the flu. Experts recommend a four-week interval between the two shots. However, ask your doctor if your child needs one or two flu vaccines and how far apart they should be given.
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Can a person with CF get the flu nasal spray vaccine?
A person with CF should not get the nasal spray flu vaccine. The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use only in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza should not get the nasal spray, including people with CF.
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Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Seasonal flu vaccinations for people with CF are generally available at CF care centers and through primary care providers. Talk with your CF care center to find out whether they have the vaccine available.
You can find the closest place to receive the seasonal flu vaccine from the American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator.
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Should household members of people with CF get the flu vaccine?
Members of the same household as people with CF should get the flu vaccinations.
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Can I or my child go to work or school, day care or camp if we are sick?
If you or your child is sick, you should stay home to rest and get better. Also, staying home helps prevent the spread of germs to others.
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When can I or my child go back to work or school after having the flu?
You or your child should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. (The fever should be gone without using a fever-reducing medicine, like acetaminophen e.g., Tylenol®.) A fever is defined as 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Children should not take aspirin if they have the flu or any viral infection.
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What should I do if someone at my child’s school has the flu?
The best way to protect against the flu is by doing good infection control. You and your child can do this by:
- Getting the flu vaccine.
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throwing the tissue away and then cleaning your hands.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Staying away from others if you are ill. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
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My doctor has prescribed Tamiflu®, but I can’t get it locally. What can I do?
CF Services Pharmacy, Inc., has Tamiflu® available for people with CF. You can contact CF Services at 1-800-541-4959.
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Is it safe for me to travel?
We encourage you to talk with your doctor about your or your child’s travel plans if you have concerns.
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Additional Resources about Germs and Infection Control
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Additional Resources about Seasonal Flu
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updated 1/13/2012
