It's officially flu season and the last thing you want to do is get the flu or spread the flu to someone else. Learn tips to stay healthy, how to recognize the flu, and where you can get a flu vaccination.
What Are The Symptoms of the Flu?
The symptoms of the flu can make you feel miserable. For days, even weeks, the symptoms can be so bad that they can leave you laid up in bed. The most common symptoms of the flu include:
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High-grade fever (100.5 or higher)
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Extreme fatigue
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Muscle aches and pains
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Chills and cold sweats
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Headache
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Dry, non-productive cough
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Stuffy or a runny nose
Considering how miserable the symptoms of the flu can make you feel and the fact that it can last for days, it is best that you do everything that you can to avoid getting the flu. It is also important to know how to avoid spreading it if you do get it.
Get Your Flu Shot
The best way to keep from spreading the flu is to avoid getting it in the first place. and the best way to keep from getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine. You would need to be immunized every year and there are a few types of flu vaccines available.
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Standard dose: The standard dose is available for people 6 months old to 64 years old.
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High dose: The high dose flu shot is designed for people 65 and over, and anyone whose immune system is compromised.
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Flu-Mist: The Flu-Mist is the only vaccine that isn't administered with a needle. It comes in the form of a nasal spray and it is recommended for people 6 months to 64 years old and who have no health issues.
Visit a Health Care Clinic
If you believe that you have the flu, visit Orchard Hospital's Medical Specialty Center - Your Everyday Health Care Clinic. You'll be able to take the necessary precautions to keep from spreading it.
Orchard Hospital is offering a drive-thru flu clinic on October 12 and 26 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 284 Spruce Street in Gridley.
Cover Your Cough
According to the Center For Disease Control, the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. It can live on a tissue for up to 15 minutes. If you're suffering from the flu, it's up to you to keep from spreading the virus onto objects when you cough or sneeze.
When you cough or sneeze, you should use the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth. You don't want to use your hand because you can pass the virus onto the next thing that you touch. Also, when you blow your nose, don't leave your dirty tissues lying around as they can get someone else sick.
Wash Your Hands Often
If you're suffering from the flu, it's important that you wash your hands often. This will keep you from transferring the flu virus from your hands onto other objects. If you cannot get to a sink often, you should carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. While washing your hands often can keep you from spreading the flu, it can also keep you from contracting it.
Stay Home
Most people are very busy at work or at school and the last thing that they want is to take time out. If you're one of these people, as much as you might hate it, you need to stay home when you have the flu.
The flu is an extremely contagious virus. If you're sick and you go to work or school, you risk getting your coworkers or your classmates sick as well. It's your responsibility to stay home if you're sick so that you can keep from spreading it to others.
The symptoms of the flu can be debilitating and it can keep your laid up for days. It's also possible to develop complications from the flu that can put you in the hospital.
If you have the flu, it's your responsibility to keep from passing it around and putting other people at risk of getting sick and feeling awful. If you follow the tips listed above, you should be able to keep from getting other people sick. You can also keep from getting the flu yourself.
