Staying Healthy During the Flu Season Presented by: Mrs. Wildrick and Mrs. Santos

What is "The Flu"? Seasonal flu (influenza) is caused by a virus that infects people every year. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccine each year.

Flu vs. Common Cold Flu Common Cold fever/chills* stuffy/runny nose (sudden onset) (gradual onset) fever/chills* muscle/body aches sore throat stuffy/runny nose fatigue possible vomit/ diarrhea stuffy/runny nose sneezing sore throat cough headache *It's important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever

How Flu Spreads Person to person People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 ft away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths our noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

The Flu is Contagious Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Symptoms start 1-4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time those people may still spread the virus to others.

How to avoid The Flu get vaccinated! avoid close contact with sick people wash hands frequently eat healthy (lots of fruit and vegetables) get plenty of rest (8-10 hours nightly) exercise regularly

What to do when you get The Flu drink plenty of fluids extra rest keep the room temperature comfortable consider humidifier for dry air soothe throat (gargle warm salt water or lemon water with honey) use medicine such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fever and/or body aches

Thank you and here's to a healthy flu season! Please take a brief moment to complete a quick survey on the website under the Flu Survey tab. Thank you and here's to a healthy flu season!