Cough, fever, fatigue and body aches: we all know the dreaded tell-tale signs of the flu.
The return of cooler weather also means the re-emergence of flu season in the U.S., which typically begins around September or October, peaks in December or January and ends near the end of February or in early March, according to Andrew Truong, MD, an internal medicine physician with Providence.
Sinda Althoen, MD, a Providence-affiliated pediatrician and primary care physician, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks the Southern Hemisphere flu season to determine what it will look like in the U.S.
“This year, it has been a pretty typical flu season with Influenza A as the main circulating strain,” Dr. Althoen said.
However, a typical flu season does not mean adults, children and families should let their guard down when it comes to flu symptoms, prevention and treatment.
What are symptoms of the flu?
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Headaches
- Muscle and body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea or vomiting (more common in children)
How do you protect yourself and your family from the flu?
The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get your annual influenza vaccine. Although flu shots are not 100% effective, they do significantly lower your risk of getting the flu and becoming severely ill.
“The flu vaccine is definitely a tool I would recommend everyone take advantage of to reduce your chances of getting really sick, which can happen and is unpredictable, unfortunately,” Dr. Truong said. “While the flu vaccine’s level of protection does vary year-to-year, it is still better to have some protection than no protection at all, especially in those who are at highest risk for getting sick.”
Those most at risk include adults older than 65 years of age, individuals who are pregnant, infants younger than 2 years of age, and those who have certain chronic medical conditions and other immunocompromising conditions.
Vaccinations can also help communities protect one another, as fewer people are likely to get sick and spread the flu to others.
“If you are less likely to get the flu, then you are also less likely to spread it to vulnerable individuals, including young babies who cannot be vaccinated. In communities where a high number of people get the flu shot, there is significantly less flu,” Dr. Althoen said.
Who should get flu vaccines?
The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older gets a flu shot each year. Children 6 months and older will need a two flu-shot series the first year they receive the flu shot. Kids 9 years and older will only need a one-shot series, said Dr. Althoen
Physicians also recommend you get your annual flu shot before the start of flu season in September and before gathering with family and friends during the holidays.
Where can you go to get a flu shot?
The great news is that flu shots are very accessible throughout the state. You can visit your local pharmacy, primary care provider or urgent care to receive your vaccine.
“Flu shots are available in late-August and early-September, and most insurances will pay for them at your doctor’s office or at your local pharmacy,” Dr. Althoen said.
The vaccine may give you some temporary side effects—body aches, fever, chills, headaches and fatigue, to name a few—that end after a few days.
“The side effects you experience are the signs your immune system is building its immunity to the flu,” Dr. Truong said. “It will not give you the actual flu illness, as the vaccine contains inactivated flu virus, so you won’t get symptoms like a cough, sore throat or runny nose.”
Beyond the vaccine, what else can you do to protect against the flu?
Physicians recommend you regularly wash your hands; avoid touching your face; cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; and stay home or wear a mask when you are sick to reduce the spread of germs. You should also take care of your health by getting adequate sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods and exercising regularly.
Finally, remember: Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones this fall and winter.
“My whole family, from the 1-year-old to the 79-year-old, will be getting our flu shots this fall. I hope you will join us,” Dr. Althoen said.
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