INFLUENZA (FLU) FACTS

This Season a Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever!

Prevention.  The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu season typically begins in November. The flu shot is not total protection but will reduce your chances of contracting and passing the virus.

The vaccine begins to protect individuals from the flu about two weeks after injection and may last up to a year. Some people who get vaccinated still may come down with the flu, but they usually will experience a milder case. Everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot. The vaccine is especially important for people at higher risk of complications from the flu including:

  • Pregnant women
  • People with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease
  • People who live with or care for infants
  • Adults ages 65 and older
  • Children ages 5 and younger

Some people should NOT receive a flu shot without first speaking with their health care provider, including those who:

  • Have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past
  • Are allergic to chicken eggs
  • Have a fever on the day they are scheduled for a flu shot

Signs and Symptoms. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes can lead to death. You may feel some or all these symptoms once you have the flu:

  • 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

Treatment. If you develop the flu, it is best to rest and give your body a chance for a complete and speedy recovery.

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink a lot of liquids
  • Avoid using alcohol and tobacco

To relieve your symptoms, you can take medications. Please speak with your doctor before using aspirin- like medications, especially for children. Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids and take medicines that do not contain aspirin to relieve symptoms. If you experience unusually severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, or if you are at special risk of complications, contact your doctor as soon as your symptoms begin. You may be able to take one of the new antiviral medications, which could lessen the severity and possibly shorten the course of the illness. Talk with your doctor right away, as you must start these medications within the first two days of illness

National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 6-12, 2020

The CDC is encouraging people to share their #SleeveUp shots and why they are getting vaccinated this year.

Please participate in the outreach:

  • Post a photo on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn with #SleeveUp
  • Share why you are getting vaccinated this year
  • Tag @CDCFlu on Twitter or CDC on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn

They will share some highlights throughout the week, so keep an eye the CDC’s social media to see if your content is featured!

REFERENCES: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

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