Infectious Diseases - January 2013 Archives

A hand washing demo with glow-in-the-dark germs is available in the downloads. The flu bug continues to spread across the country and unfortunately this ...

Mayo Clinic has been designated a Regional Tuberculosis Training and Medical Consultation Center by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It will be ...

If you experience flu-like symptoms, you may wonder whether to seek medical care. According to Mayo Clinic, you should:  Seek medical care if you have ...

FLU UPDATE: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says influenza has spread to 47 states. However, according to the CDC "most (91 percent) of the influenza viruses that ...

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is set to release its latest flu count on Friday and the numbers are expected to jump, with influenza now reported in 41 states.  Mayo Clinic continues to evaluate this season’s flu outbreak and has existing policies for patients, visitors and staff. At this time, Mayo Clinic in Rochester is not implementing additional visitor restrictions. However, we have implemented additional visitor restrictions at a number of our Mayo Clinic Health System locations. We will expand those restrictions to other Mayo Clinic locations if necessary. We encourage people to get vaccinated and for those who are sick, stay home to avoid exposing others. Frequently Asked Questions: What is the flu? Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Influenza symptoms can range from mild to severe, and, at times, influenza can lead to death. The most common symptoms are sudden onset of fever, headache, dry cough, runny nose and muscle aches.   How is the virus spread? The most common way influenza virus is spread is from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it, such as a doorknob, elevator button or grocery cart, and then touching his or her mouth or nose. To help prevent the spread of the virus, wash your hands frequently.   Does hand washing really help? Yes. Hand washing is the single most important method of preventing the spread of infection. You can clean your hands using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.   How long is a person with the flu contagious? A person with influenza can infect others one day before symptoms begin to appear. Healthy adults are typically contagious for five to seven days. Children and persons with weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer periods. Some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. These persons still can spread the virus to others.  Is it too late to get the flu vaccine? No. We strongly encourage people to contact their health care provider and get vaccinated.  

Influenza is spreading across the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. ...

Children are bound to come down with the occasional sniffles, cold or other viral bugs, but with influenza, whooping cough and other illnesses affecting people ...

It’s a common scenario, especially for smokers. A cough that just doesn’t go away. Chronic bronchitis. It’s defined as a cough that persists for more than ...

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 28 and healthy. I have never gotten a flu shot and have never had the flu. Do I really need a flu vaccination? My employer is recommending it for everyone, but I am hesitant. I have heard some people get sick from the actual vaccination.   ANSWER: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated every year against influenza. Being young and healthy does not protect you against getting the flu. Even someone like you, who has not had influenza in the past, should still get an annual flu vaccine. In some cases, people may develop minor flu-like symptoms after getting the vaccine. But the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that tends to come on suddenly. The influenza virus is a systemic virus. That means it circulates throughout the body in the bloodstream. Symptoms typically include fever, aching muscles, chills, sweats, headache, feeling tired and weak, coughing and nasal congestion.