by Carole Masterson
Flu Season typically starts in October and lasts through March. The flu vaccine takes two weeks to be effective from the time of administration, so now is the time to get your vaccine!
Here are three simple actions to fight the flu:
- Take the time to get the flu vaccine.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses - Take everyday preventative actions to fight the spread of germs.
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wash your hand often with soap and warm water and/or use an alcohol-based hand rub
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu - Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness
These drugs make illness milder and shorten your down time
See your doctor and start taking the antiviral drugs immediately for best treatment
Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. You may be infected with the flu and could possibly have respiratory symptoms without the accompaniment of a fever.
Flu vaccine is now available at MANA clinics across Northwest Arkansas including Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic, FirstCare Family Doctors, and MediServe Walk-In Clinic. Click here to find out when you can get the flu vaccine at your doctors office.