Seasonal Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. Approximately 5-20% of US residents get the flu each year.
Flu season occurs in the fall and winter. It usually peaks in January but can occur as early as October and as late as May.
• Hand washing can help protect yourself from spreading the virus to you from others or surfaces
• Stay away from sick contacts
• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as seasonal vaccine is available.
• A 100 degree or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu gets a fever)
• Cough, sore throat , runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches or bodyaches
• Chills , Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (usually occurs in children)
• If you get the flu, antiviral medications (*TamiFlu) can make your illness milder and make you get better faster
• Fevers and aches can be treated with pain relievers such as Tylenol or Motrin.
• You can treat flu symptoms without any medication by:
o Getting plenty of rest
o Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent becoming dehydrated
o Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever
o Putting a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier
o Gargling salt water (1:1 ratio warm water to salt) to soothe a sore throat
o Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills
**Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medication if you have any disease, condition or other ailment.