The flu (influenza) is a contagious disease that can be severe. Almost every year, the flu causes disease in millions of persons, hundreds of thousands get hospitalized, and tens of thousands die because of the flu. The CDC urges you to take the following measures to protect yourself and others from the flu.
You and your family should get vaccinated!
The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is getting a flu vaccine each year. All persons 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine, if possible before the end of October, or as soon as possible if after October.
Flu vaccines are offered in many places, such as physician offices, clinics, health departments, drugstores, and university health centers, as well as from many employers and even at some schools.
Protect yourself. Protect your family. Get vaccinated. #FightTheFlu
Learn More: https:/cdc.gov/flu/consumer/vaccinations.htm
Avoid
Avoid any close contact with sick people; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your nose and mouth with a paper towel when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands frequently (with soap and water), and clean and sanitize the surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the flu viruses.
If you get sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Please remember to cover your nose and mouth with a paper towel when coughing or sneezing and throw the paper towel into the garbage bin after using it. Stay at home until at least for 24 hours after the fever is gone, except to receive medical care o for other needs. (Before resuming your regular activities, your fever must have disappeared for about 24 hours without using a drug to decrease it).
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/treatment.htm
Take antiviral drugs if prescribed by your doctor!
If you catch the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat it.
Antiviral drugs can alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease. They can also prevent severe flu complications, such as pneumonia.
The CDCs recommend the use of antiviral drugs during the early stages of treatment for persons who are very sick from the flu (such as: people who are hospitalized) and those who got it and are at high risk of severe complications, due to their age or to having a high-risk condition.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/treatment.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/treatment.htm
