It’s Flu Season

Everyone was in a panic about Ebola a few weeks ago, but how many of you have had your flu shot? It is the easiest way to prevent a disease that causes illness, loss of productivity and too often, death.

The timing of the flu season is unpredictable and varies from year to year. Most commonly it peaks between December and February. But, it can occur as early as October and as late as May.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu is actually a respiratory disease, not a gastrointestinal disease! The flu can cause vomiting and diarrhea, more commonly in children.

Flu symptoms include:

• A 100^oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Seizures
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

The flu is most dangerous for infants, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cancer.

So please, get your flu shot!