Every year, as the cold air begins to settle in, a familiar concern also arrives—the flu season. Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to hospitalization or even death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year. However, there are several other strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling ill during the flu season.
Understanding the Flu and Its Impact
Influenza viruses circulate worldwide and can affect anybody in any age group. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can vary in severity. In the United States, flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks during the winter months. Symptoms of the flu can range from fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people, especially children, may have vomiting and diarrhea. People with the flu may spread it to others up to about 6 feet away, mainly by droplets made when talking, coughing, or sneezing.
Preventive Measures
The first and most crucial step in flu prevention is getting vaccinated every year. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19 and other diseases.
Beyond vaccination, taking everyday preventive actions can help stop the spread of germs. This includes avoiding close contact with sick people, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands often with soap and water, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu virus.
Additionally, if you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Some populations are more at risk than others. This includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older. For these populations, the flu vaccine is especially important. Additionally, caregivers and household contacts of these high-risk people should be vaccinated to avoid spreading the flu to them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flu season requires heightened vigilance and proactive measures to protect oneself and loved ones. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the flu. Complementing vaccination with other preventive practices can significantly reduce the risk of flu and its potential complications. By taking these steps, you can contribute to a healthier community, easing the burden on healthcare systems, especially during peak flu season. Stay informed, stay prepared, and let’s collectively fight the flu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who should get the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exception. Consult with your healthcare provider for more information, especially if you have an allergy to eggs or any of the ingredients in the vaccine, or if you have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare immune system disorder).
2. Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
No, a flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Flu vaccines are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single gene from a flu virus (as in the case of recombinant influenza vaccine), which cannot cause infection.
