Fall is known to many as the beginning of flu season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that, “Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths, in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.” This is why it’s important to get yo
ur annual flu vaccine today!
Symptoms
The flu most commonly affects the children, the very old, and the immunocompromised. Don’t let this fool you, though, because even the healthy can succumb to the illness.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Others
If you experience any of these, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you begin to experience dehydration, IV fluid replenishment may be necessary. Next, medicines such as anti-histamines, nasal decongestants, and cough suppressants can be used to treat flu symptoms. There are also a couple of antiviral agents used in the treatment and prevention of the virus.
Why get the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine allows your body to create antibodies against the flu virus. These antibodies will then be used to fight off the infection when you come in contact with the virus. Unfortunately, the vaccine does not cover all strains of the flu, however, it covers the ones that research indicates will be most prevalent during the season. Since the virus is always changing, this is why it is important to get the vaccine each season.
Adults can spread the germs 1 day before experiencing symptoms and up to 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. Other ways to protect yourself and others include hand washing, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and stay home when you are sick.
Hollowbrook Foot Specialist serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls. Call us at (845) 298-9074 for your preferred appointment.
By: Samantha DelRegno D.P.M.
