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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Flu Season is Here -- What you Need to Know
Seasonal influenza, the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Every year in the United States, 5-20% of the population comes down with the flu; more than 200,000 are hospitalized from complications caused by flu; and about 36,000 people die from these complications.
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Getting the Flu
Symptoms of the flu can range from mild to severe and include headache, fever (usually high), dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and tiredness. The flu is easily spread from person to person, most commonly through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Healthy adults may be able to spread the flu virus from one day before getting symptoms to up to five days after being sick.
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Treating the flu
If you, or a family member, develop flu symptoms, consult a doctor. Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If the patient is over the age of 2 years and the symptoms are mild, medication (over the counter) can be purchased to treat the symptoms. If the patient is under age 2, consult a doctor. If symptoms are severe (high fever that lasts a long time, trouble breathing, skin that looks blue, has other health conditions), the ill person should see a doctor immediately.
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There are antiviral drugs that can treat patients with the flu to prevent serious complications. These drugs need to be prescribed by a doctor.
Prevention
Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect against the flu. Take routine preventive actions such as:
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Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water (especially after coughing, or sneezing). Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work.
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