Prevent the Flu

Seasonal Flu 

• Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses
• Flu season typically peaks in January or February 
• Flu vaccine is the BEST way to protect yourself
• Flu symptoms usually last one to two weeks

Flu Prevention 

Ways to help prevent the Flu include:

• Get the flu shot
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze
• Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue away
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because germs can spread that way

Who's at Risk

Anyone is at risk of contracting influenza, but children, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions are at highest risk for severe influenza complications.

Flu Symptoms 

• 100ºF or higher fever or feeling feverish
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Have flu symptoms?

Typically, we encourage visitors, but it's best to stay home if you have flu symptoms so you don't risk spreading it to people in the hospital.

What to Do When You’re Sick

If you get sick with influenza (the flu), limit contact with others.  This means staying home from work or school to avoid infecting others. Take care of yourself or others by:

• Stay at home and rest
• Limit contact with others
• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids
• Treat fever and cough with over-the-counter medicines

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and cough

If you get sick with influenza, limit contact with others.  This means staying home from work or school to avoid infecting others.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - www.flu.gov