Influenza (flu)

Overview

Influenza is a common viral infection of the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Mayo Clinic medical professionals are internationally known for effective treatment of infectious diseases.

Emergency plans, including those for pandemic influenza, have been in place for many years at Mayo and are continuously reviewed and updated. Mayo Clinic is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for its patients, visitors and staff.

Flu symptoms and care

If you develop symptoms of influenza but you're otherwise healthy:

• Stay home from work or school. Anyone who tests positive for Influenza A at this time of the year can be presumed to have H1N1. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. In addition, the CDC recommends that health care workers with H1N1 remain off work for seven days from the onset of symptoms or until fever is gone, whichever is longer.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
• Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) cautiously, as needed.

Remember, pain relievers may make you more comfortable, but they won't make your symptoms go away any faster, and pain relievers may have side effects. Ibuprofen may cause stomach pain, bleeding and ulcers. If taken for a long period or in higher than recommended doses, acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver.

Talk to your doctor before giving acetaminophen to children. And don't give aspirin to children or teens because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.

When to see a doctor

It's not necessary to see a doctor if you're generally healthy and you develop flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and body aches. People with certain medical conditions and risk factors should contact their doctor to determine if flu testing is advised. Learn more about flu risk factors.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is the best defense against getting the flu. Supplies of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccine are limited throughout the United States. The seasonal flu vaccine, however, will not protect against H1N1 flu infection nor vice versa — for full protection you should receive both vaccinations.

Vaccination information at Mayo Clinic locations

Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Priority patients will be contacted directly if vaccine becomes available.

Mayo Clinic in Florida
For current information please call the Flu Vaccine Information Hotline at 904-953-0301.

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota
See vaccination schedules for regular updates on vaccine availability.

• Seasonal Flu Vaccination Schedule
• H1N1 Flu Vaccinations Schedule

About influenza

At Mayo Clinic, several groups are involved in both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu planning, including Infection Prevention and Control, Emergency Preparedness, Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and the Hospital and Clinical Practice Committees.

Mayo staff members are closely monitoring the spread of flu and are in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security and state health departments. Coordinated evaluation of the external situation and Mayo's internal preparedness is ongoing.

Read more about influenza (flu).