The 2021-22 flu season is right now. Flu season is unpredictable, but flu activity often begins to increase in October and peaks between December and February.
A Vaccine is Your Best Protection
There are many things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the flu. Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year.
Every year, new flu vaccines are created to help protect against the flu viruses that research shows will be most common during the upcoming season. All available flu vaccines this year will be quadrivalent, which means they will protect from four circulating flu strains.
Vaccines will be available as shots or nasal spray. There are also vaccines created specifically for older adults to help provide stronger immunity. After you get your flu vaccine, your body takes about two weeks to build immunity from the flu.
Healthy habits can also help reduce your risk of getting the flu:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious food
- Stock up your medicine cabinet
- Try to limit contact with other
Help yourself stay safe when you:
- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcoholbased sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
Protect Others if You Get Flu
Taking everyday preventive actions can help reduce the spread of the flu. The flu is contagious – that means it spreads from person to person, often through the air. People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t feel well, stay at home to help others from getting sick.
Keeping Yourself and Your Loved Ones Safe
Some of the symptoms to look for are:
- Fever and chills
- Cough or sore throat
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Muscle and body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Symptoms can begin about two days after the virus enters the body. Anyone can get sick with the flu, but people 65 years and older, people with chronic disease, pregnant people, and children younger than five are at the highest risk.
There are also prescription drugs, called antivirals used to treat people with the flu. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. It’s important to make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as you feel symptoms so you can take
certain precautions.
With the right plan, you can help avoid the flu as best as possible and be prepared if it does hit your home.