The flu season is right around the corner and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone (over 6 months old) get their seasonal flu shot by the end of October. They also recommend that anyone who is sick should stay home and not travel for the protection of themselves and others.
Most people get mild illness that do not need medical care or antiviral drugs and most will recover within 2 weeks or less. But, if you get flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and possibly diarrhea and vomiting) then stay home, don't travel and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the illness, Contact your health care provider if you feel you need medical attention.
For those who are considered high-risk (see below) and have flu symptoms or anyone who is very sick or concerned about their illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Children under 5 years old
Adults over 65 years old
Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
Residents of nursing homes or long-term facilities
American Indians and Alaska Natives
People with:
Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions (including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles, stroke, muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injury)
Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (i.e. people with cancer or HIV or AIDS or people on chronic steroids)
People younger than 19 who are on a long-term aspirin therapy regimen
People with extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more)
Those people listed above are more likely to have flu complications that could lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. The flu can also make the health problems for those listed above worse.
Don't wait until the last minute and don't get sick! Go and get your flu shot today!
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