Autumn is the time of year that we all start getting ready for the long winter months. We prepare our homes, winterize our cars, and it is the perfect time to prepare bodies to fight off respiratory viruses. Although respiratory viruses circulate all year long, cases spike during the fall and winter months. Learn more about influenza below!
What is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones?
Vaccinate! Greater Family Health is currently offering the annual flu vaccine to patients 6-months and older. Talk to your Provider about getting vaccinated this upcoming season.
Wash your hands! Keep your hands clean by using soap and clean water to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and clean water are not available, you can use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.
Avoid close contact! When possible, stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If not possible, you can wear a mask to minimize the risk of spreading a virus.
Practice good respiratory etiquette! Cough or sneeze into your arm, sleeve, or tissue. Dispose of any used tissue in the trash.
What are common symptoms of influenza? Here are symptoms that you may experience from the CDC that you should be familiar with:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Dispelling the top 3 Flu Myths!
- Flu vaccines do NOT cause actual disease or illness. The vaccine is made from inactivated virus that stimulates your immune system to develop defenses
- Flu vaccines change every year to match the circulating flu viruses, thereby, increasing your protection.
- Healthy people over 6-months old SHOULD receive the flu vaccine. Even healthy people can become seriously ill from influenza. Additionally, the more healthy people that are vaccinated against the flu, the less flu virus circulates and reduces the risk for those who are unable to be vaccinated or have serious risk of hospitalization from complications.
