Fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, nausea — if these symptoms hit, you may have been bitten by the flu bug.
Who is most vulnerable?
During the 2014-15 flu season, people over age 65 constituted 60 percent of all cases of flu in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In February, CDC reported the number of people over age 65 hospitalized for flu was at the highest level since CDC began recording those numbers in 2005.
Children from birth to age 4 represented the second-highest hospitalization rate this season.
U.S. experiences flu epidemic every year
Flu season occurs in the fall and winter, peaking some time between late November and early March, and it’s an epidemic every year.
The makeup of flu viruses can change from year to year, making it difficult to predict. This flu season “mismatched H3N2 flu viruses” were working their way around the country, producing widespread cases with high severity, CDC reported.
Flu spreads through droplets when people sneeze or cough, as well as on surfaces. People are contagious one day before symptoms appear and up to a week after becoming sick. When you don’t feel well, it’s best to take care of yourself and your co-workers by staying home. And don’t go back to work (or school) for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.
What can you do to stay healthy?
CDC recommends everyone older than 6 months get an annual flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available. October is the ideal time to get vaccinated, but it’s never too late. More tips include:
- If you don’t like needles, ask your doctor if a nasal flu spray is available.
- Avoid being around sick people if possible.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably with the inside of your arm rather than your hand.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated.
Common misconceptions about flu vaccination
Keep yourself and others safer by getting a flu shot. Contrary to common belief, vaccines do not give people the flu. Because the flu shot is made from dead viruses, you can’t get the flu from the vaccination, but you may experience side effects for up to two days, such as a sore arm, sore throat or achiness. Other common misconceptions about flu vaccination include:
- Myth: “Healthy people do not need to get the flu vaccine.” Fact: Anyone can get sick from the flu, but adults over 65, children under 2 and people with chronic conditions are more likely to have serious problems. Healthy people can easily pass the flu to others, so even healthy people should get a flu shot.
- Myth: “It’s ok to come to work when you’re feeling sick with flu-like symptoms.” Fact: To protect your co-workers, it’s important to stay home if you don’t feel well or you are unsure if you’re contagious.
- Myth: “One flu shot is enough to protect me for multiple years.” Fact: The flu strain changes every year, and every year the flu vaccine protects against new viruses that are circulating. Get your flu vaccine every year to protect yourself from the current strains.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or call (800) CDC-INFO [232-4636].
