Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Categorized | Living Well

Posted on 09 November 2006 by heartstyle

Flu Symptoms

Fever (usually high)
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Fall is a great time of the year. The leaves turn beautiful colors and the heat of the summer gives way to the cool and crisp air of autumn. It’s a busy time of year for many of us. The lazy days of summer are over and children go back to school. Our work loads return to normal or increase and the pace of life often seems to double. If we are not careful, we can fall victim to one of the most common ailments of the season: the flu. The flu season in the U.S. typically runs from October through May. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the

United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from flu. Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Good health habits are an important line of defense for preventing the flu. Follow these tips for avoiding the flu this season: Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. Flu vaccines come in the form of flu shots or nasal sprays. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial. After being vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for the antibodies that protect against influenza viruses to develop. The vaccines will not cause the flu as they made of killed or weakened viruses. Vaccination is highly recommend for high-risk groups including women who will be pregnant during flu season, people 65 years and older and adults and children with chronic health conditions including diabetes and heart, lung, kidney and immune system diseases. You may also be at risk if you take care or live with someone in a high-risk group.

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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