Need some tips to avoid catching flu? As the 2018 flu season rages on, healthcare workers and hospitals are overburdened. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been almost 12,000 influenza-related hospitalizations reported since October. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also vomit and have diarrhea. Sometimes individuals may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The CDC wants the public to be informed about how to prevent the spread of the virus. They announced the following tips to avoid catching flu.
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1. Get Vaccinated
This is not joke! If you have not been vaccinated, the CDC recommends that everybody six months or older get a flu vaccine once a year. The flu shot is one of the best tips to avoid catching flu.
2. Stop the Spread
Take preventative steps, including washing your hands with hot soapy water frequently, avoiding contact with sick people, and staying home from work when you are ill. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is true.
3. Antiviral Flu Drugs
If you do get sick, the CDC recommends taking an antiviral prescription drug. It is highly effective treatment your doctor can prescribe. Studies conclude that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, however starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is extremely sick from the flu. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.