Preparing for flu season peaks
By Christopher Goodson, Emergency Management Coordinator, Guest Writer
As the colder weather sweeps in, Governors State University (GovState) is preparing for the peak in flu season by reminding all Jaguars to take steps toward preventing infections.
To do that, it's important to know what is and isn't true about common infections.
Myths
- Flu season is only during the fall and winter: Flu season generally peaks between fall and winter, however the flu can occur year-round.
- A bad cold: While some symptoms may overlap, the flu is generally more severe and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and hospitalizations.
- You can get the flu from the vaccination: The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus that helps stimulate the immune system. The immune system then produces antibodies against the inactivated virus so that if it recognizes the virus again, it can neutralize it.
- You only need the flu shot once: The vaccine is updated each year to match circulating strains.
- “If you've had the flu once, you won't get it again”: There are multiple strains of flu, and they mutate frequently.
Facts
- The influenza virus: The flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses. These viruses infect the respiratory tract and can lead to symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue.
- The flu can be serious: While most people recover within 7-14 days, the flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic or serious health conditions.
- Droplet precaution: The flu spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then by an individual touching their face.
- The flu vaccination: The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent flu infection.
- Prevention: The best way to prevent the flu is by regularly washing your hands, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces and by receiving the flu vaccination.
Infectious diseases can most commonly be caused by bacteria and viruses, but may also be caused by fungi or other microorganisms as well.
What is a viral infection?
A viral infection (a virus) enters the body, invades cells, and multiplies, leading to symptoms that can vary widely depending on the virus. Viruses are microscopic organisms that rely on host cells (such as human cells) to reproduce, unlike bacteria or fungi that can grow on their own. Common examples of viral infections include the flu, common cold, COVID-19, and chickenpox.
Infections caused by viruses are usually classified by the virus type (e.g., influenza virus, herpesvirus) or the body systems they affect (e.g., respiratory infections like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus). The immune system works to detect and destroy viruses, but because they can replicate quickly and hide within cells, they can sometimes be challenging for the body to fight off, especially if they suppress or evade immune responses.
What is bacterial infection?
A bacterial infection enters the body, multiplies, and causes illness. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can thrive in a variety of environments, including in and on the human body. Common bacterial infections are strep throat and pneumonia.
What is infection control?
Infection control is the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases by implementing practices and procedures.
Key Components of Infection Control Include:
- Handwashing & sanitation
- Personal protection equipment (PPE)
- Vaccinations
- Proper cleaning and disinfection of high transmissible objects