Flu season is upon us. While instances of the influenza virus typically begin to increase in October, there’s still time to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to avoid getting sick. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones in the months to come.
1. Understand the Difference Between the Flu and Other Viruses
Generally, a person who has the flu will have symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches, upper respiratory symptoms, runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Occasionally, people will experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
“A common public opinion and misconception is that upper respiratory symptoms indicate a cold, while the flu involves nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” says Dr. Zachary Baeseman, Family Medicine Physician at ThedaCare. “This confusion often stems from the use of the term ‘stomach flu,’ which is not an official medical term but rather describes gastrointestinal conditions such as norovirus and rotavirus.”
It can be equally difficult to distinguish the flu from other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. One notable differentiator is the loss of taste and smell that can occur in those infected with COVID-19, but even that can be misleading.
“That’s a hallmark of COVID-19 less typically associated with other respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Baeseman says. “But there’s a lot of crossover, and some people do lose their sense of taste or smell with a cold or the flu. The best method of knowing for sure is getting tested. Respiratory panels are widely available to test for all common viral infections, including COVID-19, influenza, para-influenza, and the common cold.”
2. Learn How the Flu Spreads
Though flu season generally starts in October and runs through February, cases have been known to emerge as late as March or April and peak anywhere between December and February.
“Human behavior changed significantly last year due to the presence of COVID-19, with more people working and learning from home and fewer people gathering,” Dr. Baeseman says. “As a result, cases of influenza were lower. Now that students have returned to the classroom and many in-person events have resumed, a rise in viral activity is bound to follow.”
Like other respiratory viruses, the flu is an airborne illness that spreads from person to person in the form of droplets expelled when people cough, sneeze, laugh, or talk. The more people congregate, particularly in close quarters, the higher the risk of exposure.
3. Practice Prevention
Follow these steps to reduce the spread of flu and other viruses:
- Avoid close contact with others when experiencing symptoms
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, ideally for at least 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects frequently, especially in common areas
- When ill, don’t leave the house until you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours
- Wear a mask in public
“The asymptomatic spread we’re seeing with COVID-19 is much less common with typical seasonal bugs like the flu,” Dr. Baeseman says. “If you have symptoms of a cold or the flu, you are presumably shedding the virus and spreading it to others. That’s why it’s best to stay home if you’re feeling ill.”
4. Get the Flu Vaccine
Flu shots are recommended and readily available for individuals age 6 months and older.
“If a cold virus was akin to a slap in the face, influenza is like getting hit by a truck,” Dr. Baeseman says. “The viral infection associated with the flu is much stronger than the typical cold, leaving people feeling very ill for a week, or sometimes two. The best resource we have available to prevent this illness from accelerating and growing more serious is the vaccine.”
If a cold virus was akin to a slap in the face, influenza is like getting hit by a truck.
Zachary Baeseman, MD, ThedaCare
5. Know Your Risk
“Generally speaking, infants and the elderly are at higher risk of experiencing secondary complications from influenza, including increased potential for morbidity and mortality,” Dr. Baeseman says. “Once someone enters that second week of symptoms where their movement has been reduced, their breathing impaired, and their nutrition lacking, that’s where a secondary bacterial infection could lead to hospitalization.”
Antiviral medications can help treat influenza, but the flu vaccine remains the best choice for eliminating the need for treatment in the first place.
“Some health systems, like ThedaCare, are offering vaccination clinics, making it possible for people to receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time,” Dr. Baeseman says. “For anyone who remains unvaccinated, this is a convenient opportunity to protect yourself against two very serious viruses. I encourage everyone to do whatever they can to keep themselves, their loved ones, and our communities healthy.”
Ready to get vaccinated? Schedule an appointment at a location near you.
