What is the Flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads from person to person. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk of flu complications. To learn more about the flu visit, www.cdc.gov/flu.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, such as fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Unlike the common cold the flu comes on suddenly. If you begin to experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Why do I need a flu shot?
COVID-19 changed how we live our everyday lives. We practice social distancing, wash our hands more often and wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of germs. As you become adjusted to this new normal, remember that protecting the health of yourself, your family and your community is more important now than ever before. The last thing you want is to get COVID-19 and the flu. Getting sick can increase stress, medical expenses and time off from work or school.
Flu season begins in the fall every year and lasts through winter. The best way to prevent the flu is by receiving an annual flu shot, the sooner the better. Stop the flu before it stops you.
- Getting the flu shot helps prevent you from getting sick. Getting sick can cause increase stress, medical expenses or time off from work or school. Every year the flu shot prevents illnesses, hospitalizations and death.
- The flu shot helps prevent patients with chronic illnesses from getting the flu. Chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can increase risk of flu complications.
- The flu shot can reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get the flu.
- The flu shot helps protect pregnant women and their baby from flu illness and hospitalization.
- The flu shot can be lifesaving for children.
When should I get my flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu shot in September or October, before the start of the flu season. Don’t worry if you miss the recommended time frame to receive your shot, you should still get it. Experts suggest that adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems wait until at least mid-September, so that the vaccine’s protection lasts the entire season. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have additional questions on receiving the flu shot.
Ways to reduce the risk of catching the flu
Health experts stress that the best way to lessen the chances of getting the flu is still the vaccine. Health experts also offer the following tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu:
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Keep your distance from others who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick so that you don’t pass the virus to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help keep from spreading germs.
- Clean your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and maintain a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
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For more information on flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.