One in 6
people in the United States will catch the flu this season. While the timing of
the flu is unpredictable, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
reminds citizens that the seasonal flu can begin as early as October and tends
to peak between December and February. Those at higher risk for flu
complications include young children, pregnant women, elderly, and those
suffering from medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or
chronic lung disease.
According
to the CDC, the most important step in protecting yourself against the flu is
to get vaccinated. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated as
soon as flu vaccines become available. While children under 6 months of age are
too young to be vaccinated, it is strongly encouraged that the people who care
for them should be vaccinated instead. Aside from being vaccinated, other ways
to help reduce the spread of influenza include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that could host germs (especially children's toys and cell phones)
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as germs quickly spread this way
Symptoms
of the flu start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. Unlike the common
cold, symptoms of the flu come on suddenly. They may include fevers, chills,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, muscle and body aches.
Additionally, irregular vomiting and diarrhea is more common in kids than
adults. If you suspect that you, or the children in your life, have flu-like
symptoms, contact a medical physician. By knowing the facts you can fight the
flu!
