flu Prevention Starts Now

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

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

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine, but good health habits and antiviral medications are other measures that can help protect against the flu.

Ample supplies of influenza vaccine are currently available. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. It's recommended to get vaccinated now, so that you will be protected when flu season begins in October.

How does the flu spread?

Viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing, or talking of someone with the flu or when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose.

People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

CDC Says “Take 3 Actions” to Fight the Flu

1. Take time to get a flu vaccine.

• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine prevents against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus.
• Everyone 6 months of age and older, and particularly high risk persons, should get a flu vaccine.

2. Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; cough into the crook of your arm not your hand.
• 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 or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, 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.

3. Take the flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

• If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
• Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaled powder) and are not available over the counter.

Additional steps to take at work:

• Find out about your employer’s plans if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs and whether flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.
• Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.
• Train others on how to do your job so they can cover for you in case you or a family member gets sick and you have to stay home.
• If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.
• Stay well rested and nutritionally nourished so your immune system is stronger.

What's Your Flu IQ? Click here to take the 10 question quiz to find out.

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