Flu Season

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The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccination. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine this year and you should check with your healthcare provider for guidance. Getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee that you will not get the flu, but the duration and symptoms should be greatly reduced.

Steps you can take to help prevent the flu

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, the 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.)
While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Flu-like symptoms include

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills and
Fatigue

Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

If you get the flu, or have flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work and contact your health care provider.

Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health or is very sick from the flu. Follow your doctor's instructions for taking this drug.

For more information on seasonal influenza visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu or the Louisiana Health and Hospitals website at www.flu.gov.