October is usually the start of flu season in the United States. Influenza is a mild to severe respiratory illness that can spread easily from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include fever, body ache, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
A flu vaccination is the best way to prevent catching influenza. Vaccination also helps prevent serious complications like pneumonia. The vaccine itself is made of inactivated or killed viruses that can help your body build up an immunity to influenza. The disease and the vaccine change every year — so if you are risk, you will need a yearly vaccination. It may be administered by injection or by nasal spray.
Who should get vaccinated?
- The elderly
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- People with certain health conditions, like chronic heart or lung conditions
Who should not get vaccinated?
- People who have severe chicken egg allergies
- People who have had serious reactions to flu vaccines in the past
- Children under the age of six months
- People who are moderately or severely ill with a fever should wait until after their symptoms clear up to get vaccinated.
If you do catch the flu, your treatment options are limited. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication like Tamiflu or Relenza to help shorten the duration of the illness. But most importantly, you’ll need to rest and get plenty of fluids. Pain relievers can help ease fever and muscle aches. Keep in mind that children and adolescents should not take aspirin for flu or fever; provide an aspirin-free pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil.
You can help keep the spread of influenza (and other contagious diseases) by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often. Cover your mouth when you sneeze. And if you do catch the flu, take a few days to stay home and get better, instead of going back to work and getting everyone else sick.