Flu season usually lasts from November to March, though it may be longer during particularly tough years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population will get the flu any given year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized annually due to seasonal influenza complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia or other complications. The flu — which is a respiratory illness, not the “stomach flu” — is characterized by:
The airborne flu virus spreads when you come into contact with people who are contagious or when you touch something that has living flu viruses on it. Part of what makes the flu so contagious is that it takes relatively few individual flu viruses to make you sick and they can survive up to 24 hours on hard surfaces outside the human body. To help protect yourself from the flu, remember to:
1. Get a flu shot every year
2. Wash your hands often; spend at least 20 seconds lathering thoroughly
3. Avoid people who have the flu, if possible
4. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth
If you get the flu, try to stay home from work. You’re contagious the whole time you have symptoms — not just the first few days. Drink plenty of clear fluids and get lots of rest to help your body fight off the virus.
Contact your primary care provider at Riverview Health to see if an antiviral prescription could help you feel better and to schedule flu shots for your whole family. The more of you that are protected, the healthier you’ll all be.
Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.
Source: CDC.gov
