What are the symptoms?
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
3 Steps to Prevent the Flu
The CDC says that there are three things you need to do to fight or prevent the flu. The first is to get a flu vaccine, which includes everyone 6 months of age and older. The flu vaccine protects against the most common flu viruses.
The second thing is to take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of germs. This includes avoiding close contact with sick people and while you’re sick, you should limit contact with others to avoid spreading the germs. Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Disinfect and clean surfaces, as well as practice good hygiene to avoid contamination.
If you get the flu, go to the doctor immediately and make sure you take antiviral drugs your doctor prescribed to treat your illness. Studies show that if you start treatment within 2 days of getting sick, you shorten the amount of time you are sick.
Many times the flu cannot be prevented, especially since it’s not what you do, but what others around you do that spread the germs. One thing you can do stay healthy is just keep a strong immune system, which includes eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Exercising regularly and keeping a healthy lifestyle can help you fight disease.
