By such means are flu pandemics started. All the more reason to be aware that your one-on-one contact with many patients increases your own risk of exposure to this potentially deadly airborne pathogen.

 

You can, however, reduce the risk of infection for your patients and yourself by following the preventive measures outlined in this course that are key to minimizing the spread of influenza. Update yourself on the two flu vaccines in current use, the recommended antiviral agents for the upcoming flu season, the signs and symptoms of influenza versus the common cold, and who should and should not be vaccinated.

 

Eleven helpful tables summarize past flu pandemics, common misconceptions about influenza, the flu vs. the common cold, clinical features and complications, and CDC recommendations for vaccination and prophylaxis.