Beat Flue Season

FluLast year, California experienced an unusually high flu season, peaking between December and February. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. More than 60 million Americans each year get the virus, and approximately 200,000 are hospitalized due to flu complications. It’s spread through contact with surfaces or people with the flu, coughing, sneezing or even talking. For this reason, it’s important for both children and adults to take steps to prevent catching or spreading the virus.

• According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to avoid catching the virus is by getting a flu vaccination which treats up to four different strains. In correlation with state and government agencies, including the California Department of Public Health, the most apparent strains are included in the immunization, allowing effective vaccines. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, or treat the flu once you have it. It takes roughly two weeks for the antibodies to kick in, so get vaccinated early. Studies show that the vaccine given to pregnant women is more than 90% more effective in preventing the hospitalization of infants. Children over two weeks old can receive anti viral meds, and everyone over 6 months is recommended to get an annual shot. The CDC recommends nasal sprays (LAIV) for kids 2-8. There are other options available for those who cannot receive the flu shot.

• Know the symptoms: FACTS: Fever, Aches ,Coughing, Tiredness and Sudden Onset. Additional symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting in children.

• Act quickly! Stay home and away from healthy people for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks to avoid spreading it. Get treatment within the first 48 hours of symptoms. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, 59% of Americans do not realize that they can get prescription medication to treat their symptoms. Antiviral medication can decrease your chance of spreading the flu to other parts of your body and other people, while also attacking the virus at its source.

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, 59% of Americans do not realize that they can get prescription medication to treat their symptoms. Antiviral medication can decrease your chance of spreading the flu to other parts of your body and other people, while also attacking the virus at its source.