Have you had your flu shot yet? If not – NOW is the time.
What is flu? A CONTAGIOUS respiratory illness caused by various strains of the virus that infect your nose, throat and sometimes, the lungs. Flu can be mild to severe – at times it can lead to death. The BEST way to prevent the flu is with a yearly vaccination.
How is flu different from a cold? Sudden: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, fatigue and GI distress.
HOW IT SPREADS
Tiny droplets made when people with the flu either cough, sneeze or talk ( and spray). These drops can land in the mouth or noses of people who are nearby. It can also spread by shaking hands, touching a surface that has the virus, and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
You’re most contagious for the first 3-4 days after catching flu – but you can spread it even before you know you’re sick.
You will feel the onset of symptoms usually within 2 days.
COMPLICATIONS
Depending on how sick you get, how old you are, how immunosuppresed you might be – you can develop serious complications.
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common. Ear infections, sinus infections, worsening of chronic medical conditions – congestive heart failure, asthma, diabetes, autoimmune disease- ad nauseum.
Wondering who might be at high risk for complications?
People over 65
Chronic Medical Conditions- any age
Pregnant women
Children under 5
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT THE FLU?
1-10- GET YOUR FLU VACCINE!
Wash your hands
Avoid people with flu
WHEN IS FLU SEASON?
It’s actually year round- but it’s most common in Fall and Winter- all the way until May!
But it peaks from December to February.
GET YOU FLU SHOT RIGHT AWAY!
Let’s talk about the flu variations and mutations next time.
FUN STUFF.
Later
C
