The flu comes every year and can infect anyone. That’s why it’s so important to stay aware and be prepared. Whether you’re getting your flu shot, looking for care or just have a few questions, Atrium Health is here for you all season long.
Keep reading to learn how to stay healthy and what to do if you get sick.
When you’re sick with the flu, you just want to feel better. For convenient care, try one of our options below. If you have any life-threatening flu symptoms, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room right away.
Here are some things to know about the flu, how to prevent it and what to do if you get sick.
Caused by influenza viruses, the flu is a disease that affects the lungs and parts of the respiratory system. Flu outbreaks are most common during late fall, winter and early spring.
Common flu symptoms include:
Severe flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure or even death, may occur in some cases. The flu may also make chronic medical conditions worse. If you have any underlying conditions, talk to your doctor to see if your condition raises your risk for flu complications.
Some flu symptoms can look like COVID-19 or even a cold. See the difference in symptoms, or start a risk assessment if you think you might have COVID-19.
First, and most importantly: Get a flu shot as soon as it is available. Schedule with your Atrium Health doctor, or find a doctor now.
In addition to getting vaccinated and taking care of yourself, you should take everyday actions that can help prevent the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following these steps to protect your health:
Visit cdc.gov/flu for more information and resources.
The best time to get your flu shot is as soon as it’s available, usually in September and October.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu shot can reduce your risk of getting the flu by between 40% and 60%. It’s also been shown to reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick, as well as the risk of complications and hospitalization.
Even if you have had the flu, you should still get your flu shot, because you could get the flu again.
If you get flu-like symptoms, avoid contact with others and stay home as much as possible, except for medical care or other necessities.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider, or try one of our other convenient care options. Your provider will determine if flu testing or treatment is needed.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
People with influenza should be considered contagious as long as they have symptoms and possibly for up to 7 days after getting sick. Children, especially younger children, and immunocompromised individuals may be contagious for longer periods.
In addition, we know that some viruses and bacteria can live for 2 hours or longer on surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches and desks. It’s important to keep these frequently touched surfaces clean. Frequent handwashing will also help you reduce the chance of catching the flu from surfaces.
If medically necessary, antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza. However, most people with mild flu cases do not require antiviral drugs.
Antiviral drugs are a kind of medicine used specifically to treat viral infections. They should only be considered for those sick enough to be hospitalized or those at a higher risk for complications due to an underlying condition.
Since the flu is a virus, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics. Learn more about when antibiotics are prescribed.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person, usually through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching their mouth or nose.
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