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Besides the flu vaccine, other steps can help protect you against the flu. The following information can help protect you and your family from flu and other infections.
What Can be Done to Prevent the Flu Besides Getting a Flu Shot?
You can decrease your chances of getting a cold or flu by frequently washing hands and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. When washing your hands, use soap and lots of friction. If using public restrooms, turn off the water without touching the faucet, if possible, by using paper towels or your arm instead of your hand. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands afterwards. Do not eat or drink after others. Stay away from crowds and sick people when possible, and stay home if you are ill. Teach you children these prevention measures.
What is the Difference between Colds and the Flu?
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
Usual—high |
| Headache |
Rare |
Common |
| Aches and Pains |
Slight |
Usual—often severe |
| Fatigue, Weakness |
Sometimes |
Usual—up to 3 weeks |
| Extreme Exhaustion |
Never |
Usual—at the beginning of illness |
| Stuffy Nose |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usual |
Sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort and Cough |
Mild to moderate hacking cough |
Common—can be severe |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. September 2005. www.niaid.nih.gov
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
Call your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop other symptoms not listed above, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent fatigue or persistent fever.
When is the Flu Season?
In the United States, the flu season can range from November through March, and even past March in some years. During the past 19 flu seasons, months with the heaviest flu activity (peak months) occurred in December in 4 years, January in 5 years, February in 7 years, and March in 3 years.
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