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Current Flu Facts and
Surveillance
Besides the flu vaccine, there are other steps that can be taken to
protect you against the flu. Please read the following for information
which will help protect you and your family from flu as well as 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.
Need More Information?
For more information, please contact the Chattanooga-Hamilton County
Health Department’s flu information hotline by calling 209-6010.
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