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Health Tip:

You and your flu

Did you know you can spread the flu before you even show symptoms? Read these tips to help prepare for the flu season:

Symptoms begin suddenly and include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting.

• It spreads in respiratory droplets through coughs and sneezes.
• Flu is contagious for one day prior to symptoms and up to five days after onset of illness.
• Flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, but are caused by different viruses; the flu is more intense.

Your doctor can diagnose the flu within the first 2-3 days.

• If diagnosed early, your doctor can treat you with an anti-viral medication, which may reduce the severity and length of illness.

Influenza can lead to serious complications: pneumonia or bacterial infections, requiring hospitalization. Each year about 200,000 Americans contract the flu and 36,000 people die from flu complications.

• Prevention measures include injected vaccines and nasal-sprays (for certain age groups only.)
• Wash your hands with soap often for at least 30 seconds under running water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Do not rub your eyes—the eye is a perfect portal for colds and flu viruses.

For more information on influenza, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.