Scrolling Social Media: Where to Find Accurate Information on Flu
Posted on January 27, 2023
In the age of social media, false information and misinformation spreads quickly. It is so important to ensure you are finding factual information online–especially regarding health–including the flu and the flu vaccine. Check out the following flu facts and credible sources where you can always get factual accurate information.
Families Fighting Flu Website
Families Fighting Flu Instagram
Families Fighting Flu Twitter
Families Fighting Flu Facebook
Families Fighting Flu LinkedIn
Let’s dive into some flu facts!
What is the flu?
Influenza, or “flu,” is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can cause mild to severe illness and can result in complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.
How Serious is the Flu?
Influenza is one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable diseases in America. While most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, some people will develop complications as a result of the flu, which can be life-threatening and even result in death. Between 2010 and 2020, the CDC estimates that influenza resulted in:
- 9 Million – 41 Million Illnesses
- 140,000 – 710,000 Hospitalizations
- 12,000 – 52,000 Deaths Annually
This season alone, there have already been 85 pediatric deaths.
The flu can be serious for anyone – regardless of age or health status. Everyone is at risk of being infected with the influenza virus, and anyone can spread the disease to others. Read the emotional stories of families whose lives have been permanently altered by the flu. Each flu season, between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population is infected with the flu virus, and approximately 8 percent experience a flu illness. The flu is especially dangerous for the following people:
Common Symptoms
It’s important to know when to seek medical attention and ask for a flu test. Find out when you should seek medical attention. Symptoms of flu include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue or Extreme Tiredness
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Dry Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
Please Note: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms more common in children.
Flu Myths Debunked
You may be scrolling through social media and see things like,
The Flu Vaccine Causes the Flu
Healthy and Young People Don’t Need a Flu Shot
It’s Just the Flu; it’s Like a Bad Cold
These are common flu myths. You can read more about flu myths and facts on our site. If you see incorrect information posted online or in the comments section of sites like Facebook or tweets that are not correct, you can always click on “report” to keep the networks updated on false information spreading.
Before sharing any information regarding the flu, the CDC recommends always making sure news sources are credible and reading the articles fully before sharing them. If you have any questions or concerns, please visit Families Fighting Flu or contact a medical professional. Let’s stay safe and informed when it comes to the flu!
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