Protect Yourself Against the Flu

by Dr. Julie Kado

During fall and winter, when you feel yourself coming down with a runny nose and fever, you might wonder if you are sick with the flu. Understanding the flu, how it spreads, and its key symptoms will enable you to recognize if you are sick and reduce the risk of getting sick.

The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. There are two main types of influenza virus: influenza A and influenza B. Every year nearly 3 million people in the U.S. suffer from the flu. In the U.S., the flu season mostly occurs in the fall and winter and peaks between December and February. The impact of the influenza virus on your body varies from mild illness to death. Those most at risk for severe symptoms are people over the age of 65, newborns and young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, as well as the immunocompromised.

The virus is easily spread from person to person mainly through coughing, sneezing or close contact. After you’re exposed, symptoms will appear about 1-4 days later. People are contagious within 24 hours before the presentation of symptoms and while symptoms are still active. Most who get sick will likely recover after 1-2 weeks. However, in some cases, the flu can lead to more serious complications like acute respiratory failure, prolonged hospitalization, or death.

Symptoms you should know:

  • Fever and chills

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion

  • Runny nose

  • Muscle aches

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

If you think you have the flu, seek the advice of your primary care physician. Most likely, they will encourage you to rest, drink lots of fluids, and let your body fight the infection on its own. Tylenol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help with symptoms like fever and muscle aches. Oral anti-viral medications are available but must be taken within 48 hours of the presentation of symptoms in order to be effective. The antiviral medication will not cure the flu, but it will shorten the length and severity of the illness. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, so they are not prescribed for the flu.

If you want to avoid spreading the flu and dealing with its detriments, you should get your annual influenza vaccine. An influenza vaccine will help protect you from new flu strains circulating that year and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. The best time to get the vaccine is in the early fall so that the full protective effects will be available before peak flu season. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older should get an influenza vaccine every year to protect yourself and the people around you. Other ways to protect yourself and others from the flu include avoiding close contact, staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Matthew Gordon