Cold and flu season is upon us. Are you ready? Here are a few facts about the flu and steps to avoid it.

What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent this illness is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.
On average, 5% to 20% of the population in the United States gets the flu each year, and more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from flu complications. About 36,000 people die from flu in the U.S. every year.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Flu Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu usually include a high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

Flu Complications
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

How the Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.
That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu
So what can you do to protect yourself against the flu? By far, the single best way to prevent the flu is for individuals to get a vaccination each fall.
Other steps that can be taken to prevent the flu include avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs are often spread when people touch something contaminated.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
You may also prevent others from getting sick by coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people are at higher risk of getting the flu.
If you are unsure if you should get a flu shot, please contact your health care provider, or call LifeCare Public Health at (218) 463-3211.