Are You Prepared this Flu Season?

With fall upon us and winter just around the corner, we have some health concerns to consider. One of the biggest can be flu season! According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this season a flu vaccine is more important than ever. We need to protect ourselves and the individuals we support even more.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.  It can be spread when a person, who has the flu, coughs, sneezes, or even talks. The flu virus can travel through the air in droplets. The virus can then enter the mouth or nose of a nearby person and infect their respiratory tract via nose, throat, or lungs.  A person with the flu can leave contagious droplets or particles on surfaces and objects they have been in contact with such countertops, tables, computers, etc. After touching a surface with the flu virus, you can transmit it to yourself by touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks. However, some people can develop serious complications such as pneumonia.  Anyone can get sick with the flu. Serious flu-related complications can result at any age, but some people are at higher risk. Those at greater risk include people 65 years and older, pregnant women, children younger than 5 years, especially those younger than 2 years, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Flu is different from a cold.  The Flu usually comes on very suddenly. People who have the flu often have some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever or Feeling Feverish/Chills*
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Muscle or Body Aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and Diarrhea*

*Please note that some people may have vomiting and diarrhea but this is more common in children than adults. It’s also important to note that not everyone will have a fever.*

Please remember that some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it really hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19. Always consult with your physician for guidance and treatment.

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October but getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season can help protect you.   

Tips to Help Prevent the Flu:

Get Vaccinated. Recommendations for getting the flu vaccine extend to everyone 6 months of age and older. Especially consider vaccination for those at high risk.

Avoid Close Contact. Avoid getting close to people who are sick.

Stay Home When You are Sick. This is the best way to prevent spreading to others.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your elbow to prevent spreading germs.

Wash Your Hands. Wash your hands often to help protect against germs. If you don’t have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth. Germs are often spread by touching something that is contaminated and then touching eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice Good Health Habits. Preventing the flu starts with maintaining general health. Don’t forget these healthy habits listed below.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces everywhere (home, work, school, etc.).
• Get enough hours of sleep.
• Exercise – stay active.
• Manage stress levels.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Eat nutritious meals.

Remember Precautions Against COVID-19 

• Always wear a mask
• Maintain social distancing
• Wash your hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Consider getting the Covid-19 vaccine

With some proactive prevention we can make sure everyone is safe and healthy. Talk to your doctor about the flu vaccine. Don’t forget everyday strategies to protect yourself and others. Download a copy of the checklist here.