Protective Actions During Flu Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.
In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine, you can take everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others. In addition, there are prescription medications called antiviral drugs that can be used to treat influenza illness.
Know What to Do If You Think You Have the Flu
The infographic depicts the advice of the CDC for your best protection against the flu.
But how do you know if you already have the flu? You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
fever
cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.
If, however, you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group (children, pregnant, elderly, healthcare workers), or are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your primary care health care provider immediately.
Ortho El Paso, orthopedic surgery practice in El Paso, does not treat people with the flu, but we do offer this information so that you are informed and can know what to do if you do suspect you are sick with it.
