Flu Information
* The 2008 Flu Clinics have ended, if you have questions about still getting a flu shot, please contact your health care provider.
Although a flu vaccine is your best protection from the flu—there are other good ways to help protect you and your loved ones from the flu:
- Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water or hand sanitizer to help protect yourself from germs and viruses. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest. If you smoke, now is a perfect time to stop.
- Keep up-to-date with your other immunizations and health measures.
- Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading germs to co-workers and friends. Keep children who are sick at home.
Is it the flu or a cold?
Since initial symptoms of the flu (influenza) and colds are similar, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have the flu or a very bad cold. Influenza, unlike a cold, is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications. Check this table for a comparison of the symptoms for each illness:
| Symptons | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Usually low grade in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102° F in infants and small children | Usually 102° F, but can go up to 104° F and usually lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Sudden onset and can be severe |
| Muscle Aches | Mild | Usual, and often severe |
| Tiredness and Weakness | Mild | Often extreme, and can last two or more weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Unusual | Common with sudden onset |
| Runny nose | Often | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Often | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Often | Sometimes |
| Cough | Mild hacking cough | Usual, and can become severe |
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What should you do if you have the flu?
If you have the flu (or a temperature of 100.4º F or higher), it is important to stay home, drink plenty of fluids, cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and wash your hands frequently. If symptoms get worse seek medical attention.
Parents should contact their health care provider immediately if they have any concerns about their child’s recovery. This would include a child having problems breathing, being too sleepy, or not taking enough fluids.
DO NOT give aspirin to children for treatment of flu symptoms because of the risk of Reye syndrome, an acute and potentially life-threatening condition that results when children take aspirin or aspirin-containing products during certain viral illnesses.
Consider over-the-counter medication to treat symptoms of fever, aches, congestion and cough.
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