How to stay healthy during flu season
F lu season is the time of year that flu viruses are most common. Although the flu can spread year-round, it is the most common during fall and winter, typically beginning in October and continuing through into the new year. Now that it’s here, it’s important that you protect yourself and your community by staying healthy this flu season. The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that can impact your lungs, nose, and throat. According to the CDC, symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people may also have a fever or feel feverish. The consequences of illness are especially severe for those with chronic conditions, including congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Symptoms of the flu can be similar to those of COVID-19, but they are caused by different viruses. This means that you can have both illnesses at the same time. The symptoms of the flu typically show up sooner than those of COVID-19, and COVID-19 is contagious for a longer period of time. However, both viruses can be spread to others you come into contact with, including in the days before you see any symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to protect yourself from both. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
help reduce the spread of the flu is get your flu shot. The flu shot is updated every year to include protection against the most common viruses, so it’s important to get the vaccine every year. Everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated. There are different flu vaccines that are available; you can ask your doctor which vaccine is best for you. The vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu, and if you do get the flu, it has been shown to make the illness you experience less severe. Getting vaccinated can also help protect the people around you from catching the flu. If you have questions or concerns about your health, you should speak with your doctor about their recommendations. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other healthy habits that can help you avoid getting or spreading the flu: • Wear a mask! While everyone knows that masks are an important part of the fight against COVID-19, they can also help protect you and others against the flu. • Sick? Stay home! If you have symptoms, it’s important to avoid exposure to others whenever possible. If you can’t stay home, wear a mask and social distance as much as possible. • Clean your hands! Wash your hands as much as possible, using soap and warm water. Bring hand sanitizer with you
when you go out just in case you aren’t able to access a sink.
• Don’t touch your face! Touching your eyes, nose, and mouth can make you more likely to get sick. Avoid touching your face when possible and be sure to clean your hands before you do. • Sneeze and cough carefully! Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, or your elbow in a pinch, to avoid spreading germs. • Make healthy choices! Exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep can all help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off illnesses. If you do get the flu, there are treatments that can help. While antiviral drugs can be prescribed by your doctor to help lessen your fever, if you’re sick with the flu, it’s important to stay home and avoid public settings whenever possible. The CDC recommends that people who have the flu stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. If you are very sick, in a high-risk group due to age, illness, or other factors, or are worried about your health, contact your doctor. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/flu for information about how to get more information about the flu, including county resources to help you get vaccinated.
The most important thing you can do to
COVID vaccine & testing available
.........................................................................
With the COVID-19 pandemic again overlapping with flu season, we encourage all Middlesex County residents to make sure they and their families are caring for their general health, are immunized for this season’s flu, and get vaccinated against COVID-19. To keep our community safe,
Middlesex County continues to collaborate with many community partners to offer COVID-19 testing services and resources to all County residents during this unprecedented time. For more information on COVID-19 testing and vaccines, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/COVID19.
Your Middlesex
10
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker