The Fall and Winter months (September through March) bring cooler weather and the dreaded Flu (Influenza) Season. We have spent so much time living in the pandemic world and attention given to COVID-19 that we forget about the Flu.
Influenza, called the Flu, is an infectious disease caused by the Influenza Virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and many deaths each year.
Unlike a common cold, the flu comes on suddenly. Symptoms typically include very high fever (greater than 101F), severe muscle and body aches, headache, weakness and fatigue, runny nose, sore throat and coughing.
If you should contract the flu, it is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and stay away from other people (so they do not contract the virus), and wash your hands frequently.
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine as the best way to protect against the Flu. However, many people are against the vaccine fearing that it can lead to other health issues. Receiving the Flu vaccine is a personal choice.
There are antiviral medications, but you should consult your physician for more information. Check out the www.cdc.gov/flu/ for more information.
