Influenza Facts

Source:  American Lung Association www.lungusa.org

The flue is a contagious disease caused by a virus.  When it attacks the lungs, it damages the respiratory tract. The lung tissue becomes swollen and inflamed and will usually heal within 2 weeks.  The flue is often complicated by pneumonia, especially for individuals who are elderly or have chronic health problems.

The flue is a serious illness for anyone at high risk.  Certain conditions that place people at high risk include:

  • asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis
  • heart disease
  • kidney disease
  • diabetes or metabolic disorders
  • diseases or treatments that depress immunity

Annual flue shots are recommended for everyone, including women who are pregnant during flu season, school aged children, health care workers and caregivers of anyone at high risk.

Contact IEC for more information on the flu, or to find where to go to get a flu shot.

Fall 2007 Newsletter
Volume 2, issue 4