Preventing Influenza, Adult

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infection caused by a germ called a virus. It affects your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. The flu causes cold symptoms, as well as a high fever and body aches.

• Breathing in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Touching something that has the germs on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

How can the flu affect me?

• A lung infection, like pneumonia.
• An ear infection.
• A sinus infection.

• Babies.
• People 65 years old and older.
• People with long-term diseases.

What can increase my risk?

• You don't wash your hands often.
• You have close contact with a lot of people during flu season.
• You touch your mouth, eyes, or nose without first washing your hands.
• You don't get the vaccine for the flu each year. This vaccine is also called the flu shot.
• You work in health care.

• You're 65 years and older.
• You're pregnant.
• Your body's defense, or immune, system is weak.
• You have a condition that makes the flu worse.
• You're very overweight.

What actions can I take to prevent the flu?

Lifestyle

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
• Get enough sleep.
• Get enough exercise.

Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

Medicines

Get a flu shot each year. It's the best way to prevent the flu.

• Try to get the shot as soon as you can in the fall. But getting a flu shot in the winter or spring instead is still a good idea. Flu season can last into early spring.
• You need to get a new flu shot each year. This is because the germs that cause the flu can change slightly from year to year.
• If you get the flu after you get the shot, the shot can make your illness shorter and milder. It can also stop you from getting other serious infections caused by the flu.
• If you're pregnant, you can and should get a flu shot.
• Check with your provider before getting a flu shot if you've had a reaction to the shot in the past.
• You may be able to get the vaccine as a nasal spray instead. But the nasal spray may not work as well as the shot. Check with your provider if you have questions about this.

Most people who have the flu get better by resting at home and drinking lots of fluids. But a medicine called an antiviral may lessen your symptoms and make the flu go away faster.

• People with more serious flu symptoms may need this medicine. Ask your provider if you need it.
• The medicine must be started within a few days of getting symptoms.

General information

Practice good health habits. Good habits are key during flu season.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick with flu or cold symptoms.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer.
• Try not to touch your face, especially if you haven't washed your hands.
• Clean surfaces at home and at work that may have germs on them. Use a cleanser called a disinfectant that kills germs.

If you get the flu:

• Stay home until your symptoms, such as your fever, have been gone for at least 24 hours.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid close contact with others.

Where to find more information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): familydoctor.org

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have the flu, and you get new symptoms.
• You have watery poop, or diarrhea.
• You have a fever.
• Your cough gets worse.
• You make more mucus.

Get help right away if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have chest pain.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.