Communicable Diseases Flashcards

Flashcards about Communicable Diseases

According to the CDC, how many illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths are estimated to have occurred from the flu so far this season?

At least 45 million illnesses, 580,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths.

What does the CDC recommend regarding the flu vaccine?

That everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

What is a treatment option for the flu, and when should it be started?

Prescription flu antiviral drugs, which should be started as early as possible, especially for patients at higher risk for severe illness.

List common symptoms of the flu.

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.

Is it possible to have the flu without a fever?

Yes, it's important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.

Name some potential complications from the flu.

Pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), multi-organ failure, and sepsis.

How can the flu affect people with chronic medical problems like asthma or heart disease?

It can make chronic medical problems worse; for example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of their condition.

Who is at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications?

People 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2 years old.

List warning signs in children that indicate the need to seek medical help for the flu.

Fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, chest pain, severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk), dehydration, not alert or interacting when awake, seizures, fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, any fever in children younger than 12 weeks, fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen, worsening of chronic medical conditions.

List warning signs in adults that indicate the need to seek medical help for the flu.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse, seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain, severe weakness or unsteadiness, fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen, worsening of chronic medical conditions.

What are the key differences between the common cold and the flu?

The flu and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu symptoms.

What does the flu vaccine prevent?

The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctors' visits each year.

Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?

No, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu.

What is the current status of H5 bird flu?

H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.

What is the public health risk regarding the current bird flu situation?

While the current public health risk is low, CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures.

What is Norovirus also known as?

Stomach Flu

What are the primary symptoms associated with Norovirus?

Vomiting and Diarrhea.

How is Norovirus typically spread?

Through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

How long are people typically contagious with Norovirus?

During the time that symptoms are present and a few days after feeling better.

Why is it so easy to fall ill with Norovirus?

It only takes a few norovirus particles to make you and other people sick.

What are the recommended preventative measures for Norovirus?

Wash your hands well and often, cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, wash laundry in hot water, stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.