(RxWiki News) Flu season is upon us. Getting a flu vaccine during this year is more important than ever due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system. For many people, the flu resolves on its own — but sometimes, influenza and its complications can be serious and even lead to death. That's why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of the flu and how to stay safe.
The flu is an airborne illness that can be transmitted to another person from as far as six feet. Learn when to stay home in order to protect yourself and others from catching the virus.
Flu Shots
The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get the flu shot every year. Health experts highly recommend this vaccine. But who is a good candidate for the flu shot?
It is recommended every individual over the age of 6 months old get a flu shot every year. Children younger than 2 and older individuals 65 and up are especially vulnerable to the flu. Pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are also at high risk for the flu and should receive the flu shot.
The flu shot usually becomes available in September and October. It takes about two weeks to kick in, so you want to make sure to get the vaccine before flu season arrives. In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter, but flu outbreaks can happen as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is important to note that the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19.
However, getting a flu vaccine will lower the burden of flu cases and in turn, hospitalizations and deaths on our health care system as a whole. In turn, our system can reserve the medical resources needed to provide care to those with COVID-19.
Protecting Yourself and Those Around You
If you are sick or around people who are sick, wash your hands and keep your mouth and nose covered when you cough or sneeze to avoid catching or spreading the flu.
Frequently, wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Furthermore, avoid touching your face including your eyes, nose and mouth.
If you are feeling sick and think you are coming down with something, you should be aware of flu symptoms, which differ from the common cold. The most important thing to remember about the flu is that it comes on suddenly. This is different from the colds many people experience every year. A sudden fever accompanied by body aches likely indicates that you’ve been exposed to the flu. A cold, on the other hand, tends to be milder than the flu and develops gradually with a runny or stuffy nose.
Treatment of the Flu
If you suspect you have the flu, stay home if at all possible. You do not want to expose anyone at school or work to the flu. If you have a fever, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help keep the fever at bay. If you're particularly vulnerable to the flu, see your primary care physician right away.
Before taking any medications including over the counter medications, be sure to check with your pharmacist or doctor. This is because not all medications may be safe to take if you have certain underlying medical conditions or are taking certain medications.
In addition to bed rest and plenty of fluids, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the length of the illness or help prevent serious complications. A common example of this kind of medication is Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
Speak with your local pharmacist today about how you can continue to enjoy the colder weather instead of being stuck home sick.
