Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one year to another. While it is not possible to predict what this year’s flu season will be like, one fact that is certain is that the flu, or influenza, is contagious. Those who are at higher risk include children under 5 years of age, people over age 65, pregnant women, those with other chronic medical conditions, especially lung and heart disease, obesity, and the immuno-compromised.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine becomes available, if possible by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
All New Jersey residents, especially those in at-risk groups, are urged to get an annual flu shot as influenza activity typically increases as flu season kicks in.
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea although this is more common in children. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks but some can develop serious complications such as pneumonia, which can be life threatening. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections are all examples of complications from flu.
In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine if you have not already gotten vaccinated, take preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others.
Dr. Jennifer Turkish is a board-certified family medicine physician on staff at Bay Family Medicine, affiliated with Raritan Bay Medical Center.The Bay Family Medicine office is located at 26 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge.To schedule an appointment, call 732-360- 0287.