Beat The Bug! Get A Flu Shot Early.
The flu season is always unpredictable. Generally, it starts in September and peaks during the months from October through February. One thing is sure. Get a flu shot to protect yourself from getting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
Get your flu shot early!
What’s In Your Flu Kit?
The Flu is Dangerous
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It causes mild to severe illness. Flu can result in hospitalization or death. Older people, children and others with an immune system deficiency are high risk for serious complications. Even if you are not high risk, get the flu shot anyway. You could pass the virus to someone and make that person very ill.
Symptoms of the Flu
Flu symptoms are not fun.
Flu symptoms are not fun. In fact, getting the flu is miserable. Some comfort treatments may help but there is no scientific evidence that any herbal, homeopathic or other cold remedies have any benefit against the flu.
Some anti-viral medicines on the market may be useful in prevention and treatment in certain circumstances. Ask you doctor for advice before trying these.
- Fever or feverish feelings and chills
- Cough/sore throat/runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches and/or headache
- Fatigue or very tired
If you are having flu symptoms, stay away from others who are sick, or if you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Infection Control – Hand Washing and More!
Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub when soap and water is not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Wash eating utensils and towels/bed linens thoroughly.
- Clean surfaces at home like light switches and doorknobs.
- The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to get the flu shot!
Infection Control – When Am I Contagious?
Am I contagious?
The flu is very contagious. It is spread person to person from up to 6 feet away. Experts believe the virus is spread by droplets produced when sneezing, coughing or talking. The flu can live on hard surfaces like doorknobs for up to 8 hours.
Flu symptoms don’t appear right away. You can infect another person one day before you experience symptoms and up to 7 days after becoming sick. Even without symptoms, you may still spread the virus to others. Remember, you don’t have to have a fever to have the flu.
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