Take a shot of prevention — protect yourself from the flu

Helpful tips to fight off the flu Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms: Fever, usually high Headache         Tiredness (may be extreme) Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)

When it comes to staying healthy this flu season, you call the shots.

Influenza (the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The best way to treat the flu is to not get it in the first place — and the best way to do that is to get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following guidelines for flu vaccinations:

• All children 6 months to 4 years
  
• Children 4 to 18 years old on long-term aspirin therapy
  
• Children 4 to 18 with a chronic disease
  
• All adults over 50 years old
  
• Adults between 18-50 years old, especially:
  
  • Health care personnel
  • Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under the age of 2, adults 65 and older, or people with a high-risk condition
  • Those with a high-risk condition

When a person who is sick with the flu coughs or sneezes, the illness is spread through droplets. Occasionally, people get sick from touching an object, such as a doorknob, with an influenza virus on it, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Healthy adults can infect others one day before getting symptoms and up to five days after getting sick.

Although most healthy people recover from the flu without complications, older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions can suffer from serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

To avoid getting and spreading the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  
• If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings.
  
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you do get the flu:

• Get plenty of rest.
  
• Drink a lot of liquids.
  
• Don’t use alcohol and tobacco.
  
• Take medications such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle aches. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly a fever.
  
• Call your doctor to see if you are a candidate for taking an antiviral medication.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)