Staying Healthy this Flu Season
It’s that time of year again. Flu season is here. We’ll cover everything you need to know about this flu season to keep you safe.
What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat and even your lungs. The viruses can spread through tiny droplets made when someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks. If you’re close by, these germs can enter your body and make you sick. The flu germs can also live on surfaces like doorknobs or toys. If you touch these items and then touch your face, the flu germs can enter your body.
What Are the symptoms?
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes even death. It’s important to watch out for symptoms. These symptoms usually come on suddenly. Generally, you can start feeling symptoms within 2 days of becoming infected. Watch out for some of these symptoms:
- Fever/feeling feverish
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Muscle/body aches
- Tiredness
How long am I contagious?
Without meaning to, you may spread the flu before you even know you’re sick. Generally, you are the most contagious the first 3-4 days. In some cases, healthy adults can infect others starting one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Young children and people with weakened immune systems can infect others for an even longer time.
Am I at risk?
Yes. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, but there are some people that are higher risk. These group of people can go on to develop serious problems related to flu. This group of people include adults 65 and older, people with certain health issues (diabetes, heart disease, asthma), pregnant people and young children (<5 years old).
What if I have an egg allergy?
If you have an egg allergy, you may have been told to avoid getting certain flu vaccines. Why? Well, some but not all, flu vaccines are made in chicken eggs. Don’t fret, you can still get the flu vaccine. People with egg allergies can now receive any kind of flu vaccines, regardless of an egg allergy.
Can I get vaccinated?
Anyone over the age of 6 months can get vaccinated! There are several flu vaccine options for children and a couple for older adults over 65. Pregnant woman with no major health issues can get vaccinated too.
What are the benefits?
The greatest benefit is protecting yourself and your loved ones! There are other benefits too. Studies have shown flu vaccines can reduce severity of illness in those who do become sick. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalizations. Vaccination in pregnancy can protect people from the flu during and after pregnancy. They also protect babies from the flu too.
How do I prevent the flu?
Remember, the flu is no fun, but you can protect yourself and others with a few simple steps. Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and don’t forget to get your vaccine! We know how important it is to stay healthy and can help you along the way. Stop by Bremo and get your flu vaccine today. You can make an appointment from our vaccine page here.
For more information about the flu, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) flu page here.
