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It’s not too late to get the Flu Shot!
The Flu season runs from October to May, with most cases happening from late December to early March. But the flu vaccine is usually offered from September until mid-November. Getting vaccinated before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to (protection from) the virus.
Even though it's best to get vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine is available, getting the vaccine later can still be helpful. Even as late as January or February , there are still a few months left in the flu season, so it's still a good idea to get protected. Maryland is among 26 states now reporting high numbers of flu cases, according to federal health official
How do I know if I have the flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
- fever*
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
sometimes diarrhea and vomiting* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will not have a fever.
What are the emergency warning signs of flu sickness?
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
What should I do if I get sick?
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
Best foods for fighting the flu
by Madelyn Fernstrom, TODAY Health and Diet Editor
You got the flu shot. You've been washing your hands. But, despite your best efforts, you've been knocked out by the flu. You may not feel like eating at all, but there are some foods that will help during your illness and on your way to recovery. They work for colds, as well.
When you have a fever, drink fluids to avoid dehydration
With a fever, appetite is low (or gone), and most important is to remain hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to check your urine, which is pale yellow in the adequately hydrated state. If you are getting dehydrated, it will be deep yellow in color. This visible test is the easiest way to make sure you get enough fluids, even when you don't feel like eating.
While water is optimal, many people don't like the plain taste when sick. If so, mix with 100 percent fruit juices, or add chunks of oranges, lemons, or limes to flavor. Juice alone is fine, and orange juice is a great choice (buy low-acid if preferred), along with grapefruit or cranberry juice, all rich in vitamin C. If you're not a fruit lover, try a glass of V8 or tomato juice. To keep your salt and water balance even, you can lose salt with sweating/fever, choose Gatorade, Powerade or other sports drinks for both fluids and salt.If it tastes too strong, just water it down.
Because symptoms vary, you need to pay attention to how you feel and eat, accordingly. Much is based on personal preference. For example, with hot or cold foods/fluids. This is personal choice: Cold can refresh (like popsicles); Hot can soothe (and help a stuffy nose, with steam from the cup of tea or soup).
Going the hot route, clear broths -- chicken, beef, vegetable -- are all great. And in this case, the higher sodium content of these boxed or canned items is a plus. Drink tea and other low-caffeine drinks, if preferred. Limit caffeine, as caffeine causes fluid loss.
Soothe nausea, upset stomach, vomiting
Try flat ginger ale, Coke, Saltines.
Avoid fizzy drinks. Ginger can soothe can upset stomach and flat ginger ale can be helpful. Look for "natural" ginger sodas, which have more real ginger in them. For a hot drink, ginger tea is a winner - slice some ginger in hot water and soak for a few minutes. Flat coke can settle an upset stomach. Bland, low-spice foods are easiest on the digestive track. For when there's no appetite, plain crackers (saltines), and toast can help with stomach acid.
Boost protein with eggs, yogurt
Many people temporarily lose their taste for protein, but if you can tolerate it, protein is important for repair and growth of body tissues. The most easily digestible protein is an egg (scrambled is easy to eat). Yogurt is a double-duty food - and is a good source of protein, as well as probiotics. (While some people can consume other lean proteins, like turkey, most people don't prefer them when ill.)
For the short-term recovery phase (after you are fever-free), it is important to boost protein intake to repair and rebuild body systems. If your appetite is low - which it often is for up to several weeks after the flu -- try a protein drink once a day as a supplement until your normal appetite is restored. A typical ready-to-drink shake has the protein of about a 6-ounce chicken breast.
And while it's always important to consume a well-balanced diet with plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and some low-fat dairy foods, it's particularly important to support recovery from illness. Also, eating this way helps support ALL body systems - including our immune system, and helps reduce your risk of flu and other viruses in the first place!
For diarrhea
Try The BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
They're bland, hydrating, and easy-to-digest. Not all have to be eaten at once, or together. One or two are fine -- and always include toast. The bananas are also rich in potassium, which is being lost during illness. The probiotics in yogurt can help an irritated digestive tract. Plain, low-fat yogurt, or Greek-style yogurt may be preferred.
