The flu--Influenza--is here! H1N1, in spite of all the media coverage is just another strain of Influenza A. Remember the real flu is not nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Flu symptoms are fever and chills, weakness, headache, aching all over, and a high fever of 102°F or more. If you feel too weak to come to the doctor, you probably have the flu!
Coming in for an appointment is very important, because there is a treatment for some kinds of flu. The medication works better the sooner you take it. It does not work all the time, but can decrease your symptoms by 50% (make you half better) and decrease the duration of flu from 7-10 days to 5 days.
If you have already had the flu for more than 72 hrs, the medicine will not work. Just stay in bed, drink fluids, take acetomenophen for aching and sleep as much as possible.
If you have flue symptoms, please don't go to work or play and spread the flu! You are most contagious when you are just starting to get sick.
It is not too late. Get your flu shot today!
As of this year, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) is no longer recommending that you wait. Go ahead. Get your flu shot now.
You cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
Get Your Flu Shot If...
You are 50 or older. You are under 50 but have a chronic condition: diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease. You are a health care worker. You are around sick people. You work with the public. You are between 6 months and 19 years old. You live in a contained environment such as college or camp.
It only hurts for a second!
NO EXCUSES! IF you are under 50, in good health, and hate shots; you can get a nasal flu vaccine!
