Fall Is Here! And So Is Flu Season.

The weather is getting cool, the leaves are changing colors, and it is time to get your flu (influenza) shot again. This time of year, it can sometimes be hard to know exactly what you might be coming down with. Is it a cold, allergies, or the flu? Influenza A and B are caused by viruses easily spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and airborne particles. Cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose with clear and often colored drainage. Colds can also cause mild fevers. They usually last seven to 10 days. Allergy symptoms can be a runny or stuffy nose with clear drainage. Sneezing, fatigue, and sore throat are often present, as are itchy eyes. Allergies last more than two weeks and recur. Influenza symptoms start suddenly with fever, muscle aches, headache, sweats, chills, and fatigue. Cough, chest pressure, shortness of breath, and sore throat with swollen lymph nodes are often present. Yearly flu shots are recommended for all persons six months of age or older. In the past, individuals with an allergy to eggs were unable to receive the vaccine. It is now possible for them to obtain one. The flu shot reduces your risk of certain flu strains, hospitalization and can reduce the risk of flu-related deaths. Not to mention, it can lower the severity of your illness.  The optimal time to get your shot is between September 1 and November 1. I do want to set the record straight: The flu shot cannot ‘give’ you the flu. The virus in the vaccine is not a live virus. The side effects are usually mild and last one to two days. They can include soreness, redness, or swelling where you received the shot, headache, low-grade fever, and fatigue. If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, you should call your provider to be evaluated and have a flu test done by a simple nasal swab. If you are positive for flu and symptoms have been present for less than 24-48 hours, you may be a candidate for an anti-viral medication. The medicine you can get at your local pharmacy can help, too.  It is important to try to prevent the spread of the flu viruses by good hand washing and covering your nose/mouth when you cough or sneeze. Providers are often asked if the stomach flu and influenza are the same thing. They are not! The stomach flu is a virus that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea instead of the above symptoms. The flu shot does not protect you from the stomach flu. So, enjoy the fall season and get your flu shot for flu season.