Why got flu

The flu virus can live on a surface like a book or doorknob for a number of hours. Remember to wash your hands often when you are around someone who is sick. Make a point of washing them before eating or touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If you can, stay away from sick people. That will help stop the flu from spreading. It's easy to confuse a common cold with seasonal flu.

A cold is milder than the flu, but since the flu can make older people very sick, you should know the difference. That way you will know when to call the doctor , who might want to give you a prescription for medicines that can help you get over the flu. People with the flu can have fever, chills, dry cough, general aches and pains, and a headache.

They feel very tired. Sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, or stomach problems are less common. What some people call "stomach flu" is not influenza. Getting a flu shot every year can help you stay healthy.

A flu shot contains the flu vaccine, which could keep you from getting the flu. There are special flu shots designed specifically for people age 65 and older. Medicare will pay for the shot, and so will many private health insurance plans. A flu shot won't keep everyone healthy. But, getting the flu shot every year can mean that if you do get the flu, you might have only a mild case.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , part of the federal government, says that people age 50 and older should get a flu shot every year. Anyone who lives with or takes care of people age 50 and older should also have a flu shot every year.

Most people get the flu between December and March. That's why that time is called the flu season. The timeframe can vary each year. It takes at least two weeks for your shot to start working, so try to get your flu shot by the end of October. Don't worry if you can't get your flu shot before the flu season starts.

The shot can help keep you healthy no matter when you get it. You can get a flu shot at your doctor's office or from your local health department. Sometimes grocery or drug stores offer flu shots. The vaccine is the same wherever you receive it. Use the vaccine finder to find a vaccine in your area. You need a flu shot every year for two reasons.

First, flu viruses change. Each year's virus may be just a little different. If the virus changes, the vaccine used in the flu shot is changed. Second, the protection you get from a flu shot lessens with time, especially in older people. So, you should get the shot every fall to do your best to stay protected from the flu.

Most people have no problem with a flu shot. Minus Related Pages. What is the difference between a cold and flu? How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu? What CDC Does. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address: Email Address.

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Certain diseases that place people at high risk include:. Get a flu shot 2. Wash your hands 3. Get prompt medical attention if you develop flu symptoms 4. Keep your distance when you're sick or if you're around someone who is sick. For your yearly flu shot. Everyone 6 months and older should visit a healthcare provider every year to get a flu vaccine.

The best time to go is soon after the vaccine becomes available in the fall. If you develop flu symptoms. If you do get sick, it is important for you to call your doctor as soon as possible to receive prompt treatment with antivirals—especially if you are at high risk for complications.

Antivirals can be effective in reducing the severity of flu and the duration of the disease. For flu complications. Pneumonia can be caused by the flu virus or by bacteria that get into the lungs when the body's defense system is weakened by the flu.

See a doctor if you:. Other infections that may be associated with the flu include sinusitis, bronchitis and ear infections. If your cough won't go away. You may have a cough that lasts for weeks to months after flu symptoms go away; and it may keep you up at night.

This cough has been associated with asthma-like symptoms, and can be treated with asthma medications. Consult a healthcare provider if you have this kind of cough.

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