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 Each winter, millions of people suffer from the flu, a short name for influenza. For some people, flu is a mild illness. For older people, especially those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease, the flu can be very serious. Most people who get the flu feel much better in a week or two, but some can get very sick. For example, because your body is busy fighting off the flu, older people are at great risk of getting secondary infections, such as pneumonia.
People with the flu can have fever, chills, dry cough, general aches and pains, headache and feel very tired. Sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose, or stomach problems are less common.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people age 50 and older should get a flu shot every year. Anyone who lives with or takes care of people age 50 or older should also have a flu shot every year.
Most people get the flu between November and April. It takes at least 2 weeks for your shot to start working, so try to get your flu shot in October or early November. Don't worry if you can't get your flu shot before the flu season starts. The shot can help keep you healthy no matter when you get it.
Since flu viruses change often, each year's virus is just a little different than the year before. So every year the vaccine in the flu shot is changed.
For most people, the flu is more dangerous than the shot. So getting the shot is recommended. Your arm might be sore, red, or swell a bit. These side effects can last up to 2 days. A few people do have a headache or a low-grade fever for about a day. The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. If you are allergic to eggs, you should not get the flu shot because eggs are used to make the flu vaccine
If you get the flu, call your doctor to see if there are medicines that can help. Remind him or her if you are taking drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that make it hard for your body to fight illness. There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after the flu begins, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly. Antibiotics do not help you get over the flu. They are sometimes prescribed to help you get over a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria. Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses. Antivirals can also be used to prevent flu. If you hear that there is a flu outbreak in your area, check with your doctor. He or she could prescribe an antiviral that might protect you. |
