Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is influenza?
A: According to the CDC, seasonal influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is caused by influenza viruses, which infect the respiratory tract (i.e., the nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. It is estimated that in the United States, each year on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications.
Q: What are influenza’s symptoms?
A: Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the 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.
Q: How does the flu spread?
A: Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
According to the CDC, to avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.
Q: Are there any preventive measures that can be taken against the flu?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends “Take 3" Actions to Fight the Flu1:
- Take the time to get a flu vaccine,
- Take every day preventative actions, including washing your hands with soap and water and if soap and water is not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and
- Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
Q: Are PURELL® products effective against the flu?
A: The FDA does not allow brands to make viral claims, but from a scientific perspective influenza is an enveloped virus. Enveloped viruses in general are easily killed or inactivated by alcohol. WHO and the CDC are recommending the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a preventive measure for flu prevention.
PURELL® Surface Disinfectants and Sanitizers are regulated by the EPA and rapidly kill 27 organisms with 30 second disinfection on 22 organisms including flu, MRSA, VRE, and norovirus.
Additional Cold and Flu Resources
For up-to-date information regarding illness outbreaks, and hygiene recommendations visit: