The Flu: What everyone should know

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.  The flu spreads in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing.  You are able to spread the flu beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick.  The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine.  However, the flu vaccine is in limited supply this fall.

Ways to help prevent the flu are:

• Avoid close contact-stay away from others that are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose-use a tissue when coughing and sneezing
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose-germs are spread through mucus membranes
• Wash your hands-#1 way to help avoid the spread of germs

Be aware of the FLU symptoms:

-fever

-headache

-extreme tiredness

-muscle aches

-dry cough

-sore throat

-runny nose

Treatment is based on symptoms.  Drink plenty of fluids, take Advil, etc. for fever and muscle aches.  Rest is imperative.  Remember that the flu is a virus, therefore, antibiotics are not helpful.

Is the flu shot right for you?