Health officials have warned that this could be a particularly rough flu season. Anyone over 6 months of age should be getting an annual flu shot, said Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.
Flu seasons, which usually start as early as October, range in severity, depending on the circulating strains of the virus. Since 2010, annual hospitalizations blamed on the flu ranged from 140,000 to 710,000 and deaths from 12,000 to 56,000, Price said.
If someone in your home or at work has been diagnosed with the flu, there are some things you can do to help prevent further outbreak.
Here are some helpful tips for preventing the spread of the flu:- Wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
- Do not share food or drinks with others.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Get a flu shot! There’s still time to protect yourself with the flu vaccine.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
- If you feel ill, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment now!
- If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu, you may be feeling miserable. A bout of the flu can last one to two weeks.
- Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
- If you can, stay home and recover.
- Limit contact with others as much as possible.
- If you must leave home, wear a facemask if you have one.
- Stay hydrated, even though you don’t feel like eating.
- Take things slowly and try not to rush back to exercise and other physical activities.