Fall flu season in the US starts in October and ends in May. Many people confuse the flu with the common cold. Flu, however, is more serious and usually accompanied by a fever. Colds are characterized by runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes, and sore throats. In most cases, a common cold is short-lived and does not cause complications, such as pneumonia. Detecting flu in time by checking for fever is a good idea.
What is the Flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How does it spread?
Many experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. The droplets then land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Sometimes, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or their eyes.
What can you do?
Since fever is one of the symptoms regularly measuring our body temperature is therefore important. Use an easy-to-use thermometer like Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometer. This thermometer measures the temperature of the blood in the forehead artery by swiping it over the forehead. Our body temperature can be accurately measured at that location.
Source:
EXERGEN P/N 850195, Rev 1