What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills and sweats
- Fatigue
What are the best ways to prevent the flu?
The CDC recommends three approaches for effective flu prevention: vaccinations, everyday preventive actions, and antiviral drugs.
Vaccinations
The flu vaccination provides one of the best defenses against the flu each year. Researchers compile data to predict which strains of the flu will be active each year and design the flu vaccine based on that data to give you the best preventive immune support.
The flu shot formula changes each year. Everyone in your family, six months and older, should get the flu shot every fall. The flu shot helps reduce the incidence of flu and lessens the symptoms.
Daily Preventive Actions
You can help lower your risk of contracting the flu by limiting your exposure to sick people, regularly washing your hands, and keeping your hands away from your face. You may also want to take precautions after you touch public surfaces and disinfect potentially contaminated objects.
Antiviral drugs
If your doctor prescribes antiviral drugs for the flu, make sure to take them as prescribed. They can help lessen the intensity and duration of your symptoms.
When should I see the doctor for the flu?
Since the flu is a virus, you usually have to let it run its course. However, in the following instances, you should see your doctor:
- Your fever lasts more than a few days
- You’re light-headed when you stand
- The flu affects your ability to think coherently
- You can’t keep any fluids down and become severely dehydrated
- You have a compromised immune system
- You’re over 65 or pregnant
- You need a doctor’s note for a sick day
It’s important to seek medical attention if you have specific vulnerabilities because the flu creates the perfect conditions for new illnesses, including bacterial infection, sinusitis, pneumonia, and lung infection.
How do you treat the flu?
A virus causes the flu, so there’s no medication to cure it. Most people just need rest and fluids to recover within a day or two.
However, if you’re at high risk for complications, you may benefit from antiviral medications to shorten and weaken your symptoms. If you end up with severe dehydration, you may need IV fluids to improve your condition.
Call or schedule online with Weaver Wellness Care right away if you need treatment for the flu.
