Fight the Flu

This year, more than ever, we should do all we can to protect yourselves and those around us from the flu. Following are three ways you can help fight influenza.

1. Get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October, the CDC recommends. This is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you from the flu. Although it will not prevent COVID-19, it will reduce the burden on the health care system and conserve scarce medical resources to care for people with COVID-19. The flu vaccine is available now through your healthcare provider, federally qualified health centers and local pharmacies.

2. Avoid close contact with sick people; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; cover your coughs and sneezes; wash your hands often with soap and water clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause the flu.

3. Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illnesses, making them milder and shortening the time you are sick. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk factor or is very sick from the flu. They may also prevent serious flu complications for people with high-risk factors. Treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.