Facing the flu can be a concern for all of us, but knowledge is your best defense. The American Lung Association highlights five important questions you might want to ask your doctor when it comes to flu prevention, diagnosis, and what to do if you think you’ve caught the bug.
1. Can I Get the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is your first line of defense. Health officials recommend that everyone aged six months and older should get the flu shot every year. Most likely, this includes you and your entire family. You can get the flu vaccine from your doctor or use the Flu Vaccine Finder to locate a vaccination site near you.
2. What Else Can I Do to Protect Myself From the Flu?
Preventing the flu isn’t just about the vaccine. Here are a few extra precautions:
Hand Hygiene: Washing your hands frequently is crucial. The flu often sneaks in when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with germy hands. So, keep those hands clean and away from your face. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice (about 30 seconds) while washing your hands with soap and warm water.
Social Distancing: If you’re around someone who’s sick, maintain a safe distance. The flu can be severe, particularly for babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Most flu transmissions come from unvaccinated children and adults. That’s why it’s recommended that everyone over six months of age gets vaccinated.
Stay Home When Sick: Protect others by staying home from work, school, and public places when you’re ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze (never your hand). It helps prevent those around you from getting sick.
RELATED: Flu Prevention 101: 4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk
3. Can I Die from the Flu?
Influenza can be a serious threat. Thousands of Americans succumb to the flu and its complications every year. For healthy individuals, it’s usually a moderately severe illness, and most recover within a week.
But there are high-risk groups, like the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems, who face severe complications and even fatalities. If you’re considered “high risk,” take extra precautions to prevent the flu.
4. How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?
Flu symptoms can be confusing, and it’s hard to be sure based on symptoms alone. A doctor’s examination is often necessary to confirm whether it’s the flu or a complication of it. Testing for the flu is most accurate when done within the first two or three days of illness.
5. What Should I Do If I Have the Flu?
If you suspect you have the flu, especially if you’re at high risk for complications, consult your healthcare provider. Rapid diagnostic tests can be ordered, and many providers use antiviral medications when they’re confident of the diagnosis.
If you think you have the flu, the best thing to do is stay home and limit contact with others, except for seeking medical care. This is crucial if you’re considered high-risk. Pneumonia is a common and severe complication of influenza, especially in high-risk individuals.
Being informed about the flu and having a clear plan can help you take control of your health. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor these questions to ensure you’re taking the right steps to protect yourself and those around you.
