Prevention
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at high risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Best way to determine if you have the flu or another viral illness is to go the Dr. for a test.
Treatment
If diagnosed with the flu the Dr. will determine the best treatment for you. He may suggest antiviral drugs. These can make your illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia, when treatment is started early. Antiviral drugs should be started within 48 hours from when symptoms started.
If you are sick with the flu or flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of fever reducing medicine.
