INFLUENZA (FLU)

Influenza, commonly called the FLU, is a seasonal virus that can spread at high levels. Only a flu test can diagnose a flu for certain as there are other viral infections with similar symptoms. Most people can have mild symptoms and will not need medical care or antiviral drugs. However others may end up with severe symptoms and need to go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Severe sickness is more commonly seen in those with compromised immune systems, young children, pregnant women and the elderly. If you are in this high risk group, you should contact your health care provider early into your symptoms. This is because the greatest benefit from treatment is seen when started within 2 days of the onset of sickness.

If you do get sick and have mild symptoms, you should rest at home and avoid contact with other people except if you need to get medical care. Most people are contagious during the first 3 days and some with weakened immune systems for longer periods of time.

Washing your hands, covering coughs and keeping surfaces sanitized, can help limit the spread of the virus in homes and workplaces. People can usually return to normal within a few days or up to two weeks, depending on the severity of their illness.

What Should You Do If You Get The Flu - From the Center for Disease Control