With recent record high temperatures, flu prevention probably isn’t at the top of the list of your priorities. But in California, flu season typically starts in December and can last well into March. This means that Fall is the ideal time to start gearing up for flu season.
Here is some important information that can help you and your family stay healthy over the coming months.
What is the Flu?
Influenza (which we usually just call “the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, congestion, achiness, and fatigue. Though they have similar symptoms, flu is much more severe than a common cold. Most people who come down with the flu can expect to be out of commission for five to seven days, but in the most severe cases life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) can develop, requiring hospitalization. Antibiotics are ineffective against the flu since they only treat bacterial infections, while the flu is a virus. More about the differences between a cold and the flu.
Who is at Risk from the Flu?
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| Get vaccinated before flu season starts |
Anybody can catch the flu, which is easily spread. The virus “jumps” from person to person by droplets made from coughing, sneezing, or even just talking. Touching a surface that has a fresh droplet on it, such as a shared toy or doorknob, and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose can also cause you to catch the flu. People who have the flu are infectious and can spread the disease 24 hours before they even show symptoms of illness, so it’s possible to spread the flu without knowing it.
The very young (under 6 months), seniors (ages 65 and up), and those whose immune systems may be compromised by other conditions, including asthma, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, and pregnant women, are especially susceptible to the flu. If you meet one of these criteria–or if you live with or care for someone who does–you should be especially vigilant in your flu prevention.
The Flu Vaccine
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine annually. Each year the most prevalent forms of the flu virus are different, and so is the vaccine, which is designed to protect against the viruses that research indicates are likely to be the most common.
To ensure the best protection, the CDC recommends you get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is made available–in other words, before flu season really gets going. It takes about two weeks for your body to produce enough antibodies to adequately protect you from the flu, which is why it’s best to be vaccinated before there is a flu outbreak in your area. In California, September through October is the ideal time period in which to get a flu shot.
Everyday Preventive Actions
The flu vaccine offers you the best protection against catching the flu, but because the viruses mutate and new strains develop over time, even with the shot or the mist it is still possible to catch the flu.
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Regularly clean frequently-touched surfices that may be contaminated with flu germs.
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Here are a few measures you can take to prevent the spread of the flu:
- Washing your hands often with soap and warm or hot water is key, and an important habit to teach kids. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- At both home, school and work, clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with flu germs or are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, remote controls, computer keyboards, etc.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you’re the one who’s sick, try to stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone unless you need medical attention or other necessities.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue in the trash then wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Boost your immune system by making sure you eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep each night.