Flu Season

Prevention Best Defense For Upcoming Flu Season

The annual influenza season is just around the corner. Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The flu often causes severe illness and life threatening complications in many people.

The symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose and/or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Children often have additional gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  

The flu can be treated if caught early. However, the best treatment is PREVENTION.   Frequent hand washing and the flu vaccine are crucial in reducing the spread of the flu. The influenza vaccines available today are very effective at preventing the flu. Contrary to some opinions, you cannot catch the flu from the vaccine.

All those at risk of serious consequences from the flu should get an influenza vaccine. This includes:

• ALL children between 6 months old and 5 years old
• People 50 years of age and older
• People who have long-term health problems requiring medication
• People with certain muscle or nerve problems
• People with weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, cancer patients)
• Women who are pregnant during flu season  

It is also encouraged that those at risk of spreading the flu get vaccinated including:

• All Household contacts and caretakers of infants and children up to 5 years old as well as contacts of those over 50 years old.

• Physicians, nurses, family members or anyone in close contact with people at risk of serious consequences from the flu.