While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States, they’re most common during the fall and winter. The exact timing and duration of flu season can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, which means now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to prevent flu.
Take time to get a flu vaccine.
Getting a flu vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community is more important this flu season than ever. Flu vaccines won’t prevent COVID-19, but they can help reduce the burden flu illnesses and hospitalizations have on health care systems caring for people with COVID-19.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Vaccinations for high-risk people — young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease) and people 65 years old and older — and health care workers are especially important.
The bottom line: the more people vaccinated, the more people protected.
Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
Because of COVID-19, we’ve all gotten pretty good at doing things to prevent the spread of germs. Remember:
- If you feel sick, stay home and limit contact with other people.
- Wear a mask — they prevent spreading flu germs too.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow (not your hand) or a tissue. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Wash your hands often. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
If you are sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat it. Antiviral drugs are different than antibiotics and are only available by prescription. They can make flu illness milder and shorten the time you’re sick. They’re most effective when started within two days of getting sick, but can still be helpful if started later. If you’re at higher risk and get flu symptoms, call your health care provider early so you can be treated with flu antivirals.
The difference between flu and COVID-19
Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference based on symptoms alone, so testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. This chart shows some of the symptoms, but shouldn’t be used as a substitute for guidance from your doctor. You also can learn more about the difference between flu and COVID-19 here.
| This is part of a monthly series from Keyser, your employee benefits partner. September 2020 [SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control] |