Flu Season, What You Should Know

Because influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, there are things we can do to help prevent its spread.

Take Everyday Actions to Stay Healthy

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Flu Symptoms

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Body Aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Some people have also reported diarrhea & vomiting 

What Happens if You Get the Flu?

• Stay home if you get sick. We recommend that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• People with influenza-like illness should remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Call your family physician. The flu is treatable on an outpatient basis.
• Do not go to the emergency room unless you or your child experience the warning signs listed below.** You will be spreading flu germs to ER patients and health care workers as well as exposing yourself to illnesses the ER patients may have.
• Stay well hydrated – drink plenty of fluids like water, broth and sports drinks
• Get plenty of rest

Emergency Warning Signs That Need Urgent Medical Attention:

In Children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Download our Flu Guide for Parents

In Adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough