Stay Healthy This Flu Season: What You Need to Know

Flu season in the United States typically runs from October through May, and cases often peak between December and February. To protect yourself and your loved ones, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a few simple but important steps.

Top Tips to Help Prevent the Flu

• Get your flu shot: Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. For this season, only injectable flu shots (not nasal sprays) are recommended.
• Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap isn't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Practice healthy habits: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, stay active, and manage stress to keep your immune system strong.
• Talk to your health-care provider: Especially if you have chronic health conditions, work with your provider to manage risks and develop a care plan.

Cold or Flu? Know the Difference

The flu and the common cold can feel similar at first, but flu symptoms tend to be more severe and come on suddenly. Here's a quick comparison:

Common cold symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Sneezing.
• Mild sore throat. 

Flu Symptoms (more intense):

• Sudden fever and chills.
• Headache.
• Dry cough.
• Fatigue and body aches.
• Sore throat.

If your symptoms hit fast and hard, it’s more likely to be the flu.

Fast Flu Facts

• The flu is a respiratory virus, not a stomach.
• You cannot get the flu from the flu shot — it’s made with inactivated virus or no virus at all.
• Antibiotics won’t help — the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

If You Get Sick

Taking care of yourself — and protecting others —  is key.

• Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow (not your hands).
• Sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve; not into your hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Rest as much as possible to help your body recover.

The bottom line: A flu shot, good hygiene, and healthy habits are your best defenses against the flu. Stay informed, stay prepared and stay well this season.

Make an appointment with Overlake Clinics today to schedule a flu shot or if you are already suffering from cold or flu symptoms.