Flu (also called influenza), is caused by an airborne virus that usually enters the body through your nose or mouth. The flu can affect your whole body—not just your nose, throat and lungs—and can lead to serious complications in the elderly or those with chronic illness. Between 5 percent and 20 percent of people in the United States get the flu each year. In North America, flu season usually runs between October and May.

Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of the common cold, but they last longer and tend to be worse. Usually flu symptoms develop quickly, within 48-72 hours after you have been in contact with the virus.

Other common flu symptoms include:

Fever.
Cough.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Feeling very tired.
Sweating and chills.

When to see a doctor

Many people who get the flu can manage it at home and often don’t need to see their provider. The flu can be fatal in elderly people, people with chronic diseases, and anyone with a weak immune system.

If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, such as pneumonia, it is important to contact your doctor. Starting antiviral medicine within two days after your symptoms show up may shorten the length of your illness and help prevent more serious problems.

Emergency symptoms of the flu require you to get medical care right away. For adults, emergency symptoms can include:

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
Chest pain or pressure.
Ongoing dizziness.
Hard to wake up or confusion.
Dehydration.
Seizures.

Flu vaccine

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccination every year. Most likely, this includes you and your entire family. Although the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it lowers the chances of having severe complications from the flu.

Exact timing on when to get the vaccine varies, but routinely having the shot by Halloween (end of October) is a good target. It will take your body about two weeks to develop antibodies against the flu-so it can be possible to get the flu during that time.

Many individual factors play into how long the vaccine immunity will last, but the general range is six to eight months.

In addition to the vaccine, maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to keep the body strong. Diet, exercise, reducing stress, and a good night sleep are all beneficial.

Using thorough hand washing techniques and hand sanitizer also help to prevent spread of the virus.

Masks can help limit the spread of the virus and can be used effectively when you are symptomatic to reduce passing the virus to others.

Keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Using a spray bottle with two tablespoons of vinegar and 16 ounces of water is an effective option to clean surfaces.

Also open windows when you can to help recirculate the air.

The winter season has enough of it’s own challenges, don’t let the flu season make it worse!